50 CFR Part 622 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic

PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF AMERICA, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Source: 78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, unless otherwise noted. Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 622 appear at 79 FR 57837, Sept. 26, 2014 and at 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016. Subpart A—General Provisions § 622.1 Purpose and scope. (a) The purpose of this part is to implement the FMPs prepared under the Magnuson-Stevens Act by the CFMC, GMFMC, and/or SAFMC listed in Table 1 of this section. (b) This part governs conservation and management of species included in the FMPs in or from the Caribbean, Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Atlantic EEZ, unless otherwise specified, as indicated in Table 1 of this section. For the FMPs noted in the following table, conservation and management extends to adjoining state waters for the purposes of data collection and monitoring. (c) This part also governs the importation of spiny lobster into Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (d) This part also governs importation of spiny lobster into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Table 1 to § 622.1—FMPs Implemented Under Part 622 FMP title Responsible fishery Geographical area FMP for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources GFMC/SAFMC Gulf 1 9 1 9 1 9 FMP for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region SAFMC South Atlantic. 5 FMP for Coral and Coral reefs of the Gulf GFMC Gulf. FMP for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic SAFMC Atlantic. FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone around Puerto Rico CFMC Caribbean. FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone around St. Croix CFMC Caribbean. FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone around St. Thomas and St. John CFMC Caribbean. FMP for the Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region SAFMC South Atlantic. FMP for Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region SAFMC South Atlantic. FMP for the Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf GFMC Gulf. 1 FMP for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf GFMC Gulf. 1 3 4 7 10 FMP for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf GFMC Gulf. FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf GFMC Gulf. 1 FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region SAFMC South Atlantic. FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region SAFMC South Atlantic. 1 2 6 8 FMP for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf and South Atlantic GFMC/SAFMC Gulf 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 82 FR 34580, 34594 July 25, 2017; 82 FR 40075, Aug. 24, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020; 87 FR 56214, Sept. 13, 2022; 90 FR 38003, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.2 Definitions and acronyms. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in § 600.10 of this chapter, and the acronyms in § 600.15 of this chapter, the terms and acronyms used in this part have the following meanings: Accountability measure Actual ex-vessel price e.g. Allowable chemical e.g., Allowable octocoral Gorgonia flabellum G. ventalina, Note: Gorgonia flabellum G. ventalina, Annual catch limit (ACL) Annual catch target (ACT) Aquaculture Aquaculture facility Aquaculture system Aquacultured live rock Aquatic animal health expert Atlantic Authorized statistical reporting agent (1) Any person so designated by the SRD; or (2) Any person so designated by the head of any Federal or State agency that has entered into an agreement with the Assistant Administrator to collect fishery data. Automatic reel Bandit gear Bottom longline e.g., BRD Bully net Buoy gear Carapace length Caribbean CFMC Charter vessel (1) It is not carrying a passenger who pays a fee; and (2) When underway for more than 12 hours, that vessel meets, but does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels underway over 12 hours; or when underway for not more than 12 hours, that vessel meets the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels underway for not more than 12-hours (if any), and does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels that are underway for more than 12 hours. Circle hook Coastal migratory pelagic fish (1) Cobia, Rachycentron canadum. (2) King mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla. (3) Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus. Commercial fishing Coral area Cultured animals Dealer, Deep-water grouper (DWG) Deep-water snapper-grouper (DWSG) Dehooking device Dolphin Coryphaena equiselis C. hippurus. Drift gillnet, Fish trap (1) In the Caribbean EEZ, a trap and its component parts, including the lines and buoys, regardless of the construction material, used for or capable of taking finfish. This does not include a spiny lobster trap as defined in subparts S, T, and U of this part. (2) In the Gulf EEZ, a trap and its component parts (including the lines and buoys), regardless of the construction material, used for or capable of taking finfish, except a trap historically used in the directed fishery for crustaceans (that is, blue crab, stone crab, and spiny lobster). (3) In the South Atlantic EEZ, a trap and its component parts (including the lines and buoys), regardless of the construction material, used for or capable of taking fish, except a sea bass pot, a golden crab trap, or a crustacean trap (that is, a type of trap historically used in the directed fishery for blue crab, stone crab, red crab, jonah crab, or spiny lobster and that contains at any time not more than 25 percent, by number, of fish other than blue crab, stone crab, red crab, jonah crab, and spiny lobster). Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish Fork length Genetically engineered animal e.g., Golden crab Chaceon fenneri, Golden crab trap Gulf Gulf Fishery Management Council (GFMC) or Gulf Council Gulf reef fish Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral (1) Coral belonging to the Class Hydrozoa (fire corals and hydrocorals). (2) Coral belonging to the Class Anthozoa, Subclass Hexacorallia, Orders Scleractinia (stony corals) and Antipatharia (black corals). (3) A seafan, Gorgonia flabellum G. ventalina. (4) Coral in a coral reef, except for allowable octocoral. (5) Coral in an HAPC, including allowable octocoral. Handline HAPC Headboat (1) A headboat with a commercial vessel permit, as required under this part, is considered to be operating as a headboat when it carries a passenger who pays a fee or— (i) In the case of persons aboard fishing for or possessing South Atlantic snapper-grouper, when there are more persons aboard than the number of crew specified in the vessel's COI; or (ii) In the case of persons aboard fishing for or possessing coastal migratory pelagic fish, when there are more than three persons aboard, including operator and crew. (2) However a vessel that has a headboat permit for Gulf reef fish, a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, and a valid COI issued by the USCG to carry passengers for hire will not be considered to be operating as a headboat provided-- (i) It is not carrying a passenger who pays a fee; and (ii) When underway for more than 12 hours, that vessel meets, but does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels underway over 12 hours; or when underway for not more than 12 hours, that vessel meets the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels underway for not more than 12-hours (if any), and does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels that are underway for more than 12 hours. Headrope length Hook-and-line gear Hoop net IFQ Import (1) For the purpose of § 622.1(c) and subparts S, T, and U of this part only—To land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, whether or not such landing, bringing, or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the United States; (2) For the purpose of § 622.1(d) and subpart R of this part only—To land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing, or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the United States; (3) But does not include any activity described in paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition with respect to fish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone by a vessel of the United States. Live rock Live well Long gillnet Longline i.e., i.e., MAFMC Mid-Atlantic Migratory group, for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia, MPA North Atlantic Off Alabama Off Florida Off Georgia Off Louisiana Off Mississippi Off Monroe County, Florida Off North Carolina Off South Carolina Off Texas Off the Gulf states, other than Florida Off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida Official sunrise official sunset The Nautical Almanac, Pelagic longline Pelagic sargassum Sargassum natans S. fluitans, Penaeid shrimp (1) Brown shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus. (2) Pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum. (3) White shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus. Penaeid shrimp trawler Powerhead Processor Purchase Recreational fishing Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, Red snapper Lutjanus campechanus, Regional Administrator (RA), Reporting week Rod and reel Run-around gillnet SAFMC Sale sell Science and Research Director (SRD), Sea bass pot Shallow-water grouper (SWG) i.e., Shrimp (1) Brown shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus. (2) White shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus. (3) Pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum. (4) Royal red shrimp, Hymenopenaeus robustus. (5) Rock shrimp, Sicyonia brevirostris. Shrimp trawler Significant risk Smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata, SMZ South Atlantic South Atlantic shallow-water grouper (SASWG) South Atlantic snapper-grouper Spiny lobster Panulirus argus, Stab net Tail length Total length (TL), Toxic chemical Trammel net Transgenic animal Trip Try net, e.g., Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri, Wild fish Wild live rock Wreckfish Polyprion americanus, [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 4218, Jan. 27, 2015; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 2357, Jan. 14, 2022; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022; 88 FR 46695, July 20, 2023; 90 FR 38003, Aug. 7, 2025; 91 FR 8386, Feb. 23, 2026] § 622.3 Relation to other laws and regulations. (a) The relation of this part to other laws is set forth in § 600.705 of this chapter and paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section. (b) Except for regulations on allowable octocoral, Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral, and live rock, this part is intended to apply within the EEZ portions of applicable National Marine Sanctuaries and National Parks, unless the regulations governing such sanctuaries or parks prohibit their application. Regulations on allowable octocoral, Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral, and live rock do not apply within the EEZ portions of the following National Marine Sanctuaries and National Parks: (1) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart P). (2) Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart I). (3) Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart F). (4) Everglades National Park (36 CFR 7.45). (5) Biscayne National Park (16 U.S.C. 410gg). (6) Fort Jefferson National Monument (36 CFR 7.27). (c) For allowable octocoral, if a state has a catch, landing, or gear regulation that is more restrictive than a catch, landing, or gear regulation in this part, a person landing in such state allowable octocoral taken from the South Atlantic EEZ must comply with the more restrictive state regulation. (d) General provisions on facilitation of enforcement, penalties, and enforcement policy applicable to all domestic fisheries are set forth in §§ 600.730, 600.735, and 600.740 of this chapter, respectively. (e) An activity that is otherwise prohibited by this part may be conducted if authorized as scientific research activity, exempted fishing, or exempted educational activity, as specified in § 600.745 of this chapter. (f) Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas are delegated the authority to specify certain management measures related to the harvest and possession of red snapper by the private angling component in the Gulf EEZ. See § 622.23 for the Gulf recreational red snapper management measures that have been delegated. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020] § 622.4 Permits and fees—general. This section contains general information about procedures related to permits. See also §§ 622.70 and 622.220 regarding certain permit procedures unique to coral permits in the Gulf of America and the South Atlantic, respectively. See subpart F of this part for permit requirements related to aquaculture of species other than live rock. Permit requirements for specific fisheries, as applicable, are contained in the permit sections within subparts B through U of this part. (a) Applications for permits. (1) Vessel permits. (ii) An applicant must provide the following: (A) A copy of the vessel's valid USCG certificate of documentation or, if not documented, a copy of its valid state registration certificate. (B) Vessel name and official number. (C) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information of the vessel owner and of the applicant, if other than the owner. (D) Any other information concerning the vessel, gear characteristics, principal fisheries engaged in, or fishing areas, as specified on the application form. (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (F) If applying for a commercial vessel permit, documentation, as specified in the instructions accompanying each application form, showing that applicable eligibility requirements of this part have been met. (G) If a sea bass pot will be used, the number, dimensions, and estimated cubic volume of the pots that will be used and the applicant's desired color code for use in identifying his or her vessel and buoys (white is not an acceptable color code). (2) Operator permits. (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information specified on the application. (ii) Two recent (no more than 1-yr old), color, passport-size photographs. (iii) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (3) Dealer permits. (ii) An applicant must provide the following: (A) A copy of each state wholesaler's license held by the dealer. (B) Name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, and other identifying information of the business. (C) The address of each physical facility at a fixed location where the business receives fish. (D) Name, address, telephone number, other identifying information, and official capacity in the business of the applicant. (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (b) Change in application information. (c) Fees. (d) Initial issuance. (2) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the RA will notify the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of notification, the application will be considered abandoned. (e) Duration. (f) Transfer Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements and dealer permits. (2) Operator permits. (g) Renewal Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements, and dealer permits. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/resources-fishing/permits-applications-and-forms-southeast (2) Operator permits. (h) Display. (i) Sanctions and denials. (2) A person whose operator permit is suspended, revoked, or modified may not be aboard any fishing vessel subject to Federal fishing regulations in any capacity, if so sanctioned by NOAA, while the vessel is at sea or offloading. The vessel's owner and operator are responsible for compliance with this measure. A list of operators whose permits are revoked or suspended may be obtained from the RA. (j) Alteration. (k) Replacement. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 83 FR 64034, Dec. 13, 2018; 86 FR 72856, Dec. 23, 2021; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.5 Recordkeeping and reporting—general. This section contains recordkeeping and reporting requirements that are broadly applicable, as specified, to most or all fisheries governed by this part. Additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements specific to each fishery are contained in the respective subparts B through U of this part. (a) Collection of additional data and fish inspection. (b) Commercial vessel, charter vessel, and headboat inventory. (1) Name and official number of vessel and permit number, if applicable. (2) Length and tonnage. (3) Current home port. (4) Fishing areas. (5) Ports where fish were offloaded during the last year. (6) Type and quantity of gear. (7) Number of full- and part-time fishermen or crew members. (c) Dealers Permitted Gulf and South Atlantic dealers. (ii) Dealers must retain either the paper forms or electronic reports for at least 1 year after the submittal date and must provide such records for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer or the SRD. (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the ACL monitoring program provides for use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, (iv) Gulf and South Atlantic dealers are not authorized to first receive Gulf reef fish, Gulf red drum, South Atlantic golden crab, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, South Atlantic wreckfish, South Atlantic rock shrimp, coastal migratory pelagic fish, spiny lobster, or Atlantic dolphin or wahoo from a federally permitted vessel if the required reports have not been submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. Delinquent reports automatically result in a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer becoming ineligible to first receive such fish, regardless of any notification to dealers by NMFS. Gulf and South Atlantic dealers who become ineligible to receive such fish due to delinquent reports are authorized to first receive such fish only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. (2) Non-permitted dealers. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.6 Vessel identification. This section does not apply to subpart R of this part, which has its own specific vessel identification requirements in § 622.402. (a) Applicability Official number. (i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft. (ii) In block arabic numerals permanently affixed to or painted on the vessel in contrasting color to the background. (iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height for vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) long or less. (2) Official number and color code. (i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft. (ii) In the form of a circle permanently affixed to or painted on the vessel. (iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter for vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter for vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) long or less. (b) Duties of operator. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.7 Fishing years. The fishing year for species or species groups governed in this part is January 1 through December 31 except for the following: (a) Allowable octocoral (b) King and Spanish mackerel. (1) Gulf migratory group king mackerel Southern zone (ii) Northern zone (iii) Western zone (2) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel (3) South Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel (c) Wreckfish (d) South Atlantic greater amberjack (e) South Atlantic black sea bass recreational sector (f) South Atlantic yellowtail snapper (g) Gulf yellowtail snapper (h) Gulf greater amberjack recreational sector [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 2014; 80 FR 4218, Jan. 27, 2015; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 2016; 81 FR 10311, Feb. 10, 2017; 82 FR 17394, Apr. 11, 2017; 83 FR 13428, Mar. 29, 2018; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.8 Quotas—general. (a) Applicability. Federal Register. (b) Quota closures. (c) Reopening. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 89 FR 40435, May 10, 2024] § 622.9 Prohibited gear and methods—general. This section contains prohibitions on use of gear and methods that are of general applicability, as specified. Additional prohibitions on use of gear and methods applicable to specific species or species groups are contained in subparts B through U of this part. (a) Explosives. (b) Chemicals and plants. (c) Fish traps. (d) Weak link. (e) Use of Gulf reef fish as bait prohibited. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.10 Landing fish intact—-general. This section contains requirements for landing fish intact that are broadly applicable to finfish in the Gulf EEZ and Caribbean EEZ, as specified. See subparts B through U of this part, as applicable, for additional species-specific requirements for landing fish intact. (a) Finfish in or from the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean EEZ, except as specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, must be maintained with head and fins intact. (b) Atlantic highly migratory species, such as tunas, billfishes (marlins, spearfishes, and swordfish), and oceanic sharks are not subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. See 50 CFR part 635 for any requirements applicable to landing Atlantic highly migratory species intact. (c) In the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean EEZ: (1) Bait is exempt from the requirement to be maintained with head and fins intact. (i) For the purpose of this paragraph (c)(1), “ bait (A) Packaged, headless fish fillets that have the skin attached and are frozen or refrigerated; (B) Headless fish fillets that have the skin attached and are held in brine; or (C) Small pieces no larger than 3 in 3 3 (ii) Paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section notwithstanding, a finfish or part thereof possessed in or landed from the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean EEZ that is subsequently sold or purchased as a finfish species, rather than as bait, is not bait. (2) Legal-sized finfish possessed for consumption at sea on the harvesting vessel are exempt from the requirement to have head and fins intact, provided— (i) Such finfish do not exceed any applicable bag limit; (ii) Such finfish do not exceed 1.5 lb (680 g) of finfish parts per person aboard; and (iii) The vessel is equipped to cook such finfish on board. (d) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.11 Bag and possession limits—general applicability. This section describes the general applicability provisions for bag and possession limits specified in subparts B through U of this part. (a) Applicability. (2) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.12 [Reserved] § 622.13 Prohibitions—general. In addition to the general prohibitions in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to do any of the following: (a) Engage in an activity for which a valid Federal permit, license, or endorsement is required under this part without such permit, license, or endorsement. (b) Falsify information on an application for a permit, license, or endorsement or submitted in support of such application, as specified in this part. (c) Fail to display a permit, license, or endorsement, or other required identification, as specified in this part. (d) Falsify or fail to maintain, submit, or provide information or fail to comply with inspection requirements or restrictions, as specified in this part. (e) Fail to make a fish, or parts thereof, available for inspection, as specified in this part. (f) Falsify or fail to display and maintain vessel and gear identification, as specified in this part. (g) Harvest or possess fish if the required charter vessel or headboat reports have not been submitted in accordance with this part. (h) First receive fish from federally permitted vessels if the required reports have not been submitted in accordance with § 622.5(c). (i) Fail to comply with any requirement or restriction regarding ITQ coupons, as specified in § 622.172. (j) Possess wreckfish as specified in § 622.172, receive wreckfish except as specified in § 622.172, or offload a wreckfish except as specified in § 622.172. (k) Transfer— (1) A wreckfish, as specified in § 622.172; (2) A limited-harvest species, as specified in this part; (3) A species/species group subject to a bag limit, as specified in this part; (4) South Atlantic snapper-grouper from a vessel with unauthorized gear on board, as specified in § 622.188; or (5) A species subject to a commercial trip limit, as specified in this part. (l) Use or possess prohibited gear or methods or possess fish in association with possession or use of prohibited gear, as specified in this part. (m) Fish for, harvest, or possess a prohibited species, or a limited-harvest species in excess of its limitation, sell or purchase such species, fail to comply with release requirements, molest or strip eggs from a lobster, or possess a lobster, or part thereof, from which eggs, swimmerettes, or pleopids have been removed or stripped, as specified in this part. (n) Fish in violation of the prohibitions, restrictions, and requirements applicable to seasonal and/or area closures, including but not limited to: Prohibition of all fishing, gear restrictions, restrictions on take or retention of fish, fish release requirements, and restrictions on use of an anchor or grapple, as specified in this part or as may be specified under this part. (o) Harvest, possess, offload, sell, or purchase fish in excess of the seasonal harvest limitations, as specified in this part. (p) Except as allowed for king and Spanish mackerel and Gulf of America and South Atlantic spiny lobster, possess undersized fish, fail to release undersized fish, or sell or purchase undersized fish, as specified in this part. (q) Fail to maintain a fish intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this part. (r) Exceed a bag or possession limit, as specified in this part. (s) Fail to comply with the limitations on traps and pots, including but not limited to: Tending requirements, constructions requirements, and area specific restrictions, as specified in this part. (t) Fail to comply with the species-specific limitations, as specified in this part. (u) Fail to comply with the restrictions that apply after closure of a fishery, sector, or component of a fishery, as specified in this part. (v) Possess on board a vessel or land, purchase, or sell fish in excess of the commercial trip limits, as specified in this part. (w) Fail to comply with the restrictions on sale/purchase, as specified in this part. (x) Interfere with fishing or obstruct or damage fishing gear or the fishing vessel of another, as specified in this part. (y) Fail to comply with the requirements for observer coverage as specified in this part. (z) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with a NMFS-approved observer aboard a vessel. (aa) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, or refusal of reasonable assistance, an observer from conducting his or her duties aboard a vessel. (bb) Fish for or possess golden crab in or from a fishing zone or sub-zone of the South Atlantic EEZ other than the zone or sub-zone for which the vessel is permitted or authorized, as specified in § 622.241. (cc) Falsify information submitted regarding an application for testing a BRD or regarding testing of a BRD, as specified in §§ 622.53 and 622.207. (dd) Make a false statement, oral or written, to an authorized officer regarding the installation, use, operation, or maintenance of a vessel monitoring system (VMS) unit or communication service provider. (ee) Operate or own a vessel that is required to have a permitted operator aboard when the vessel is at sea or offloading without such operator aboard, as specified in this part. (ff) When a vessel that is subject to Federal fishing regulations is at sea or offloading, own or operate such vessel with a person aboard whose operator permit is revoked, suspended, or modified. (gg) Fail to comply with any provision related to a vessel monitoring system (VMS) as specified in this part, including but not limited to, requirements for use, installation, activation, access to data, procedures related to interruption of VMS operation, and prohibitions on interference with the VMS. (hh) Fail to comply with the protected species conservation measure as specified in this part. (ii) Fail to comply with any provision related to the IFQ program for Gulf red snapper as specified in § 622.21, or the IFQ program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes as specified in § 622.22. (jj) Falsify any information required to be submitted regarding the IFQ program for Gulf red snapper as specified in § 622.21, or the IFQ program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes as specified in § 622.22. (kk) Fail to comply with the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic spiny lobster import prohibitions, as specified in this part. (ll) Possess a Gulf of America or South Atlantic spiny lobster trap in the EEZ at a time not authorized, as specified in subpart R. (mm) Harvest or attempt to harvest a Gulf of America or South Atlantic spiny lobster by diving without having and using in the water a measuring device, as specified in subpart R. (nn) Possess Gulf of America or South Atlantic spiny lobsters aboard a vessel that uses or has on board a net or trawl in an amount exceeding the limits, as specified in subpart R. (oo) Operate a vessel that fishes for or possesses Gulf of America or South Atlantic spiny lobster in or from the EEZ with spiny lobster aboard in an amount exceeding the cumulative bag and possession limit, as specified in subpart R. (pp) Fail to comply with any provision related to the Offshore Marine Aquaculture program in the Gulf of America as specified in this part. (qq) Falsify any information required to be submitted regarding the Offshore Marine Aquaculture program in the Gulf of America as specified in this part. (rr) Land allowable aquaculture species cultured in the Gulf at non-U.S. ports, unless first landed at a U.S. port. (ss) Fail to comply with any other requirement or restriction specified in this part or violate any provision(s) in this part. [78 FR 57535, Sept. 19, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 79 FR 6099, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.14 [Reserved] § 622.15 Notice regarding area closures to protect corals. See §§ 622.74 and 622.224, respectively, regarding coral protective restrictions in the Gulf EEZ and South Atlantic EEZ that apply broadly to multiple fisheries and gear types. § 622.16 Notice regarding South Atlantic special management zones (SMZs). See §§ 622.182(a) and 622.382(a)(1)(v), respectively, regarding fishing and gear restrictions in South Atlantic SMZs that apply to snapper-grouper and coastal migratory pelagic fisheries and broadly to gear types of multiple fisheries. § 622.17 Notice regarding seasonal/area closures to protect Gulf reef fish. See § 622.34, paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) through (6), regarding Gulf reef fish protective restrictions in the Gulf EEZ that apply broadly to multiple Gulf fisheries and gear types. § 622.19 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, NMFS must publish a document in the Federal Register www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-sustainable-fisheries fr.inspection@nara.gov, www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html (b) Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.): Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399; telephone: 850-487-0554; http://www.flrules.org. (1) [Reserved] (2) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper lobster, Rule 68B-24.002: Definitions, amended May 1, 2017, IBR approved for § 622.400(a). (3) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper lobster, Rule 68B-24.005: Seasons, amended November 1, 2018, IBR approved for § 622.403(b). (4) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper lobster, Rule 68B-24.006: Gear: Traps, Buoys, Identification Requirements, Prohibited Devices, amended May 1, 2017, IBR approved for § 622.402(a), § 622.404(f), and § 622.405(b). (5) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper lobster, Rule 68B-24.007: Other Prohibitions, amended May 1, 2017, IBR approved for § 622.404(e). (6) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-38: Shrimping and trapping: Closed areas and seasons, Rule 68B-38.001: Citrus-Hernando Shrimping and Trapping Closed Areas and Seasons, in effect as of March 1, 2005, IBR approved for § 622.55(e). (7) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-55: Trap retrieval and trap debris removal, Rule 68B-55.002: Retrieval of Trap Debris, in effect as of October 15, 2007, IBR approved for §§ 622.402(c) and 622.403(b). (8) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-55: Trap retrieval and trap debris removal, Rule 68B-55.004: Retrieval of Derelict and Traps Located in Areas Permanently Closed to Trapping, in effect as of October 15, 2007, IBR approved for §§ 622.402(c) and 622.403(b). (c) Florida Statute: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399; telephone: 850-487-0554; http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/. (1) Florida Statutes, Chapter 379: Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Part VII: Nonrecreational Licenses, Section 379.367: Spiny lobster; regulation, 379.367, in effect as of July 1, 2008, IBR approved for § 622.402(a). (2) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019. Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022; 88 FR 29847, May 9, 2023] Subpart B—Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of America § 622.20 Permits and endorsements. (a) Commercial vessels Commercial vessel permits. (i) Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish. (B) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish to another vessel owned by the same entity. A permit holder may also transfer the commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish to the owner of another vessel or to a new vessel owner when he or she transfers ownership of the permitted vessel. (C) A commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (ii) Option to consolidate commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/resources-fishing/permits-applications-and-forms-southeast. (2) Commercial vessel endorsements Eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline endorsement. (A) Transferability. (B) Fees. (ii) [Reserved] (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (1) Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf reef fish. (i) Transfer of permits Permits without a historical captain endorsement. (B) Permits with a historical captain endorsement. (C) Procedure for permit transfer. (ii) Renewal. ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 1 2 3 (B) A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (iii) Requirement to display a vessel decal. (iv) Passenger capacity compliance requirement. (v) Procedure for conversion of permit with historical captain endorsement. (2) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of “Charter vessel” and “Headboat” in § 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, respectively. (3) If Federal regulations for Gulf reef fish in subparts A or B of this part are more restrictive than state regulations, a person aboard a charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued must comply with such Federal regulations regardless of where the fish are harvested. (c) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (d) Permit procedures. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended 78 FR 46293, July 31, 2013; 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 85 FR 22045, Apr. 21, 2020; 85 FR 44017, July 21, 2020; 86 FR 72856, Dec. 23, 2021; 88 FR 42272, June 30, 2023; 91 FR 14482, Mar. 25, 2026] § 622.21 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf red snapper. (a) General. (1) Scope. (2) Duration. (3) Electronic system requirements. e.g., (ii) The RA mailed initial shareholders and dealers with Gulf reef fish dealer permits information and instructions pertinent to setting up an IFQ account. Other eligible persons who desire to become IFQ participants by purchasing IFQ shares or allocation or by obtaining a Gulf red snapper IFQ dealer endorsement must first contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information necessary to set up the required IFQ account. As of January 1, 2012, all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens are eligible to establish an IFQ account. As of January 1, 2012, all current IFQ participants must complete and submit the application for an IFQ Account to certify their citizenship status and ensure their account information ( e.g., (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the IFQ program provides for use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, (4) IFQ allocation. Federal Register (5) Closing an IFQ account. (6) Returning IFQ shares. (b) IFQ operations and requirements IFQ vessel accounts for Gulf red snapper. https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov/, (2) Gulf IFQ dealer endorsements. (3) IFQ Landing and transaction requirements. i.e., (ii) A person on board a vessel with an IFQ vessel account landing the shareholder's only remaining allocation, can legally exceed, by up to 10 percent, the shareholder's allocation remaining on that last fishing trip of the fishing year, i.e., (iii) The dealer must complete a landing transaction report for each landing of Gulf red snapper via the IFQ Web site on the day of offload, except if the fish are being trailered for transport to a dealer as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section (in which case the landing transaction report may be completed prior to the day of offload), and within 96 hours from the time of landing reported on the most recent landing notification, in accordance with the reporting form(s) and instructions provided on the Web site. This report includes date, time, and location of transaction; weight and actual ex-vessel price of red snapper landed and sold (when calculating the weight of IFQ red snapper during a landing transaction, ice and water weight may not be deducted from the weight of the fish unless the actual weight of the ice and water can be determined); and information necessary to identify the fisherman, vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction. The fisherman must validate the dealer transaction report by entering his unique PIN when the transaction report is submitted. After the dealer submits the report and the information has been verified, the Web site will send a transaction approval code to the dealer and the allocation holder. (iv) If there is a discrepancy regarding the landing transaction report after approval, the dealer or vessel account holder (or his or her authorized agent) must initiate a landing transaction correction form to correct the landing transaction. This form is available via the IFQ Web site. The dealer must then print out the form, both parties must sign it, and the form must be mailed to NMFS. The form must be received by NMFS no later than 15 days after the date of the initial landing transaction. (4) IFQ cost recovery fees. Federal Register. (i) Payment responsibility. (ii) Collection and submission responsibility. pay.gov (iii) Fee payment procedure. pay.gov (iv) Fee reconciliation process—delinquent fees. (A) On or about the 31st day after the end of each calendar-year quarter, the RA will send the dealer an electronic message via the IFQ Web site and official notice via mail indicating the applicable fees are delinquent, and the dealer's IFQ account has been suspended pending payment of the applicable fees. (B) On or about the 91st day after the end of each calendar-year quarter, the RA will refer any delinquent IFQ dealer cost recovery fees to the appropriate authorities for collection of payment. (5) Measures to enhance IFQ program enforceability Advance notice of landing General requirement. (B) Submitting an advanced landing notification. (C) Landing prior to the notification time. (D) Changes to a landing notification. (ii) Time restriction on offloading. (iii) Restrictions on transfer of IFQ red snapper. (iv) Requirement for transaction approval code. (v) Approved landing locations. (A) Landing locations must have a street address. If there is no street address on record for a particular landing location, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for an identifiable geographic location must be provided. (B) Landing locations must be publicly accessible by land and water, and must satisfy the following criteria: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 (6) Transfer of IFQ shares and allocation. (i) Share transfers. i.e., i.e., (ii) Share transfer procedures. (iii) Allocation transfers. (iv) Allocation transfer procedures. (7) Restricted transactions during the 20-hour online maintenance window. (8) IFQ share cap. (9) Redistribution of shares resulting from permanent revocation. (10) Annual recalculation and notification of IFQ shares and allocation. (11) Eligibility to participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program as of January 1, 2012. (i) Gulf red snapper IFQ program participation for current red snapper IFQ account holders. https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, (ii) Gulf red snapper IFQ program participation for entities that do not currently possess an IFQ account. (A) To establish an IFQ account, a person must first complete the application for an IFQ Account that is available on the website https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov. ( 1 ( 2 (B) Completed applications and all required supporting documentation must be submitted to the RA. There is no fee to access the Web site or establish an IFQ account. An applicant that submits an incomplete application will be contacted by the RA to correct any deficiencies. If an applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of being notified of the deficient application, the application will be considered abandoned. (C) After an applicant submits a completed application for an IFQ account, the RA will mail the applicant general instructions regarding procedures related to the IFQ online system, including how to set up an online account and a user identification number—the personal identification number (PIN) will be provided in a subsequent letter. (D) A participant who has established an IFQ account must notify the RA within 30 days after there is any change in the information submitted through the application for an IFQ Account. The IFQ account is void if any change in the application information is not reported within 30 days. (E) A person who has established an IFQ account must update and confirm the account information every 2 years. IFQ accounts are updated through the submission of the application for an IFQ Account. Accounts must be updated prior to the account validity date (expiration date of the account) that is displayed on each account holder's IFQ account page. The RA will mail each participant who has established an online account an application approximately 2 months prior to the Account Validity Date. A participant who does not receive an application at least 45 days prior to the Account Validity Date must contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 and request an application. Failure to submit a completed application prior to the account validity date will lead to the suspension of the IFQ account until a completed application is submitted. (F) For information regarding transfer of IFQ shares and allocation, the IFQ share cap, and the annual recalculation and notification of IFQ shares and allocation, see paragraphs (b)(6), (b)(8), and (b)(10) of this section, respectively. (G) Participation in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program beyond transferring IFQ shares and allocation is explained in paragraphs (a) through (b)(10) of this section. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 FR 57834, Sept. 26, 2014; 80 FR 24834, May 1, 2015; 83 FR 27299, June 12, 2018; 86 FR 11154, Feb. 24, 2021; 86 FR 72857, Dec. 23, 2021; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.22 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. (a) General. (1) Scope. (2) Duration. (3) Electronic system requirements. e.g., (ii) The RA will mail initial shareholders and dealers with Gulf reef fish dealer permits information and instructions pertinent to setting up an IFQ account. Other eligible persons who desire to become IFQ participants by purchasing IFQ shares or allocation or by obtaining a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement must first contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information necessary to set up the required IFQ account. All current IFQ participants must complete and submit the application for an IFQ Account to certify their citizenship status and ensure their account information ( e.g., (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the IFQ program provides for use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, (4) IFQ allocation. Federal Register (5) Red grouper and gag multi-use allocation Red grouper multi-use allocation. Red Grouper multi-use allocation (in percent) = 100 * [Gag ACL − Gag commercial quota]/Red grouper commercial quota (B) Red grouper multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell either red grouper or gag under certain conditions. Red grouper multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell red grouper only after an IFQ account holder's (shareholder or allocation holder's) red grouper allocation has been landed and sold, or transferred; and to possess, land, or sell gag, only after both gag and gag multi-use allocation have been landed and sold, or transferred. However, if gag is under a rebuilding plan, the percentage of red grouper multi-use allocation is equal to zero. (ii) Gag multi-use allocation. Gag multi-use allocation (in percent) = 100 * [Red grouper ACL − Red grouper commercial quota]/Gag commercial quota (B) Gag multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell either gag or red grouper under certain conditions. Gag multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell gag only after an IFQ account holder's (shareholder or allocation holder's) gag allocation has been landed and sold, or transferred; and to possess, land, or sell red grouper, only after both red grouper and red grouper multi-use allocation have been landed and sold, or transferred. Multi-use allocation transfer procedures and restrictions are specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iv) of this section. However, if red grouper is under a rebuilding plan, the percentage of gag multi-use allocation is equal to zero. (6) Warsaw grouper and speckled hind classification. (7) Scamp classification. (8) Closing an IFQ account. (9) Returning IFQ shares. (b) IFQ operations and requirements IFQ vessel accounts for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, (2) Gulf IFQ dealer endorsements. (3) IFQ Landing and transaction requirements. i.e., (ii) A person on board a vessel with an IFQ vessel account landing the shareholder's only remaining allocation from among any of the grouper or tilefish share categories, can legally exceed, by up to 10 percent, the shareholder's allocation remaining on that last fishing trip of the fishing year, i.e. (iii) The dealer must complete a landing transaction report for each landing of Gulf groupers or tilefishes via the IFQ Web site on the day of offload, except if the fish are being trailered for transport to a dealer as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section (in which case the landing transaction report may be completed prior to the day of offload), and within 96 hours from the time of landing reported on the most recent landing notification, in accordance with the reporting form(s) and instructions provided on the Web site. This report includes date, time, and location of transaction; weight and actual ex-vessel price of groupers and tilefishes landed and sold (when calculating the weight of IFQ groupers and tilefishes during a landing transaction, ice and water weight may not be deducted from the weight of the fish unless the actual weight of the ice and water can be determined); and information necessary to identify the fisherman, vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction. The fisherman must validate the dealer transaction report by entering the unique PIN for the vessel account when the transaction report is submitted. After the dealer submits the report and the information has been verified by NMFS, the online system will send a transaction approval code to the dealer and the allocation holder. (iv) If there is a discrepancy regarding the landing transaction report after approval, the dealer or vessel account holder (or his or her authorized agent) must initiate a landing transaction correction form to correct the landing transaction. This form is available via the IFQ Web site. The dealer must then print out the form, both parties must sign it, and the form must be mailed to NMFS. The form must be received by NMFS no later than 15 days after the date of the initial landing transaction. (4) IFQ cost recovery fees. Federal Register. (i) Payment responsibility. (ii) Collection and submission responsibility. pay.gov (iii) Fee payment procedure. pay.gov (iv) Fee reconciliation process—delinquent fees. (A) On or about the 31st day after the end of each calendar-year quarter, the RA will send the dealer an electronic message via the IFQ Web site and official notice via mail indicating the applicable fees are delinquent, and the dealer's IFQ account has been suspended pending payment of the applicable fees. (B) On or about the 91st day after the end of each calendar-year quarter, the RA will refer any delinquent IFQ dealer cost recovery fees to the appropriate authorities for collection of payment. (5) Measures to enhance IFQ program enforceability Advance notice of landing General requirement. (B) Submitting an advanced landing notification. (C) Landing prior to the notification time. (D) Changes to a landing notification. (ii) Time restriction on offloading. (iii) Restrictions on transfer of IFQ groupers and tilefishes. (iv) Requirement for transaction approval code. (v) Approved landing locations. (A) Landing locations must have a street address. If there is no street address on record for a particular landing location, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for an identifiable geographic location must be provided. (B) Landing locations must be publicly accessible by land and water, and must satisfy the following criteria: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 (6) Transfer of IFQ shares and allocation. (i) Share transfers. i.e., i.e., (ii) Share transfer procedures. (iii) Allocation transfers. (iv) Allocation transfer procedures and restrictions Allocation transfer procedures. (B) Multi-use allocation transfer restrictions 1 Red grouper multi-use allocation. ( 2 Gag multi-use allocation. (7) Restricted transactions during the 20-hour online maintenance window. (8) IFQ share and allocation caps. (i) IFQ share cap for each share category. (ii) Total allocation cap. (9) Redistribution of shares resulting from permanent revocation. (10) Annual recalculation and notification of IFQ shares and allocation. (11) Gulf grouper and tilefish IFQ program participation for current grouper and tilefish IFQ account holders. https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, (ii) A person with an established IFQ account must update and confirm the account information every 2 years. IFQ accounts are updated through the submission of the application for an IFQ Account. Accounts must be updated prior to the account validity date (expiration date of the account) that is displayed on each account holder's IFQ account page. The RA will provide each participant who has established an online account an application approximately 2 months prior to the account validity date. A participant who is not provided an application at least 45 days prior to the account validity date must contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 and request an application. Failure to submit a completed application prior to the participant's account validity date will lead to the suspension of the participant's access to his IFQ account until a completed application is submitted. Participants who certify that they are either not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien will be ineligible to receive shares or allocation through transfer. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 FR 57835, Sept. 26, 2014; 80 FR 18553, Apr. 7, 2015; 80 FR 24834, May 1, 2015; 83 FR 27300, June 12, 2018; 86 FR 11154, Feb. 24, 2021; 86 FR 72857, Dec. 23, 2021; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.23 State management of the red snapper recreational sector private angling component in the Gulf EEZ. (a) Delegation. i.e., (1) Delegation of authority. i.e., Federal Register (i) State management areas. (ii) State private angling component ACLs. (A) Alabama regional management area (B) Florida regional management area (C) Louisiana regional management area (D) Mississippi regional management area (E) Texas regional management area (2) Default management measures. (b) Post-season ACL adjustments for states with an active delegation. (c) Area closures. Federal Register [85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020, as amended at 87 FR 74020, Dec. 2, 2022; 88 FR 37478, June 8, 2023; 89 FR 41899, May 14, 2024; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.24 [Reserved] § 622.25 Exemptions for Gulf groundfish trawling. Gulf groundfish trawling means fishing in the Gulf EEZ by a vessel that uses a bottom trawl, the unsorted catch of which is ground up for animal feed or industrial products. (a) Other provisions of this part notwithstanding, the owner or operator of a vessel trawling for Gulf groundfish is exempt from the following requirements and limitations for the vessel's unsorted catch of Gulf reef fish: (1) The requirement for a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish in order to sell Gulf reef fish. (2) Minimum size limits for Gulf reef fish. (3) Bag limits for Gulf reef fish. (4) The prohibition on sale of Gulf reef fish after a quota or ACL closure. (b) Other provisions of this part notwithstanding, a dealer in a Gulf state is exempt from the requirement for a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit to receive Gulf reef fish harvested from the Gulf EEZ by a vessel trawling for Gulf groundfish. [79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.26 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (2) Advance notice of landing General requirement. e.g., (ii) Submitting an advance landing notification. (iii) Landing prior to the notification time. (iv) Changes to a landing notification. (v) Approved landing locations. (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators General reporting requirement Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (2) Reporting deadlines Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (3) Catastrophic conditions. Federal Register, (4) Compliance requirement. (c) Dealers. (2) The operator of a vehicle that is used to pick up from a fishing vessel Gulf reef fish must maintain a record containing the name of each fishing vessel from which reef fish on the vehicle have been received. The vehicle operator must provide such record for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 6099, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 83 FR 27300, June 12, 2018; 85 FR 44017, July 21, 2020; 91 FR 14482, Mar. 25, 2026] § 622.27 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.28 Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs). The VMS requirements of this section apply throughout the Gulf and adjacent states. (a) General VMS requirement. (b) Hourly reporting requirement. (c) In-port exemption. (d) Power-down exemptions. (1) The vessel will be continuously out of the water or in port, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section, for more than 72 consecutive hours. (2) The owner or operator of the vessel requests and obtains authorization from NMFS OLE to power-down the VMS unit on the same vessel. VMS units must remain on and positioning until the vessel owner or operator receives such authorization. A request for a power-down exemption must be completed through a NMFS website. The request must provide the specified information, such as, the identity of person making the request, vessel owner, vessel identification, and the reason for an exemption. Authorization for the power-down is displayed on the website after submission of all required information and is transmitted by email to the requester and the vessel owner, if different from the requester. After receipt of the authorization, the VMS unit may be turned off for the approved time period. (3) If a vessel with an approved VMS power-down exemption submits a trip declaration, as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, before the power-down exemption expires, the power-down exemption will be void, and the vessel is required to have a VMS operating at all times as specified in paragraph (a) of this section. Authorization for a new power-down exemption will be required before the vessel can subsequently power-down the VMS unit. (4) An approved VMS power-down exemption is not transferrable and is granted only to the vessel owner, vessel, and the commercial reef fish permit number contained in the authorization. (5) The maximum period for a single approved VMS power-down exemption is 1 year from the date that NMFS grants the VMS power-down exemption. A vessel owner or operator may request a subsequent VMS power-down exemption for the same vessel after the expiration of the preceding power-down exemption. (e) Declaration of fishing trip and gear. (f) Installation and activation of a VMS. (g) Interference with the VMS. (h) Interruption of operation of the VMS. (i) Access to position data. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 89 FR 76440, Sept. 18, 2024; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.29 Conservation measures for protected resources. (a) Gulf reef fish commercial vessels and charter vessels/headboats Sea turtle conservation measures. (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and handling requirements specified in appendix F of this part. (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 m) or less must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support device, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in appendix F to this part. (iv) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater than 4 ft (1.2 m) must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support device, long-handled line clipper or cutter, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, a long-handled device to pull an inverted “V” in the fishing line, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in appendix F to this part. (2) Smalltooth sawfish conservation measures. (i) Keep the sawfish in the water at all times; (ii) If it can be done safely, untangle the line if it is wrapped around the saw; (iii) Cut the line as close to the hook as possible; and (iv) Not handle the animal or attempt to remove any hooks on the saw, except for with a long-handled dehooker. (b) Incorporation by reference. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols.html, www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (1) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149. (i) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (i) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019. (ii) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 22385, May 17, 2019; 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019] § 622.30 Required fishing gear. For a person on a vessel to fish for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ, the following fishing gear must be on the vessel and such person must use the gear as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. (a) Non-stainless steel circle hooks. (b) Dehooking device. (c) Gear required by the DESCEND Act of 2020. (1) Descending device. (i) The descending device must be a weighted hook, lip clamp, or container that will hold the fish while it is lowered to depth. The device must be capable of releasing the fish automatically, by actions of the operator of the device, or by allowing the fish to escape on its own when at depth. (ii) The descending device must use a minimum of a 16-ounce (454-gram) weight and a minimum of a 60-ft (18.3-m) length of line. (2) Venting tool. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 46822, Aug. 2, 2013; 81 FR 10311, Feb. 10, 2017; 87 FR 2357, Feb. 14, 2022; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025; 90 FR 47987, Oct. 3, 2025] § 622.31 Buoy gear identification. (a) Buoy gear. (b) [Reserved] § 622.32 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Poisons. (b) [Reserved] § 622.33 Prohibited species. (a) General. (b) Goliath grouper. (c) [Reserved] (d) Gulf reef fish exhibiting trap rash. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013] § 622.34 Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish. Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 36548, June 17, 2026. (a) Closure provisions applicable to the Madison and Swanson sites, Steamboat Lumps, and the Edges. (1) Descriptions of Areas. Point North lat. West long. A 29°17′ 85°50′ B 29°17′ 85°38′ C 29°06′ 85°38′ D 29°06′ 85°50′ A 29°17′ 85°50′ (ii) Steamboat Lumps is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. B 28°14′ 84°37′ C 28°03′ 84°37′ D 28°03′ 84°48′ A 28°14′ 84°48′ (iii) The Edges is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. A 28°51′ 85°16′ B 28°51′ 85°04′ C 28°14′ 84°42′ D 28°14′ 84°54′ A 28°51′ 85°16′ (2) Within the Madison and Swanson sites and Steamboat Lumps: Fishing is prohibited year-round; possession of Gulf reef fish is prohibited year-round except when such possession is on a vessel that has been issued a valid Federal commercial permit for Gulf reef fish, has an operating satellite-based VMS unit, and is in transit with fishing gear stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section; and possession of any non-Gulf reef fish species is prohibited year-round, except for such possession on a vessel in transit with fishing gear stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. (3) Within the Edges during January through April each year, all fishing is prohibited and the possession of any fish species is prohibited, except for such possession on a vessel in transit with fishing gear appropriately stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. (4) For the purpose of paragraph (a) of this section, transit means non-stop progression through the area; fishing gear appropriately stowed means— (i) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (ii) A trawl net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the trawl gear and must be secured. (iii) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck. (iv) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck. Terminal gear ( i.e., (b) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for red snapper. (c) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for greater amberjack. (d) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for shallow-water grouper (SWG). Table 4 to Paragraph ( d Point North lat. West long. 1 24°48.0′ 82°48.0′ 2 25°07.5′ 82°34.0′ 3 26°26.0′ 82°59.0′ 4 27°30.0′ 83°21.5′ 5 28°10.0′ 83°45.0′ 6 28°11.0′ 84°00.0′ 7 28°11.0′ 84°07.0′ 8 28°26.6′ 84°24.8′ 9 28°42.5′ 84°24.8′ 10 29°05.0′ 84°47.0′ 11 29°02.5′ 85°09.0′ 12 29°21.0′ 85°30.0′ 13 29°27.9′ 85°51.7′ 14 29°45.8′ 85°51.0′ 15 30°05.6′ 86°18.5′ 16 30°07.5′ 86°56.5′ 17 29°43.9′ 87°33.8′ 18 29°43.0′ 88°18.5′ 19 29°18.9′ 88°50.7′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary, follow Reef Fish Management Boundary to point 20 20 28°58.98′ 89°35.1′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 21 29°02.0′ 89°45.5′ 22 28°32.7′ 90°21.5′ 23 28°24.8′ 90°52.7′ 24 28°42.3′ 92°14.4′ 25 28°34.2′ 92°30.4′ 26 28°27.6′ 95°00.0′ 27 28°20.0′ 95°06.9′ 28 28°02.2′ 96°11.1′ 29 27°46.5′ 96°38.1′ 30 27°15.0′ 97°00.0′ 31 26°45.5′ 97°01.4′ 32 At EEZ boundary 96°51.0′ (e) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for gag. (f) Seasonal closures for gray triggerfish. (g) Recreational sector for hogfish in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida. (h) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 78 FR 33261, June 4, 2013; 81 FR 24039, Apr. 25, 2016; 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59525, Dec. 15, 2017; 82 FR 61487, Dec. 28, 2017; 83 FR 13428, Mar. 29, 2018; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 FR 20613, Apr. 14, 2020; 86 FR 38417, July 20, 2021; 88 FR 27708, May 3, 2023; 88 FR 69553, Oct. 6, 2023; 89 FR 40436, May 10, 2024; 89 FR 59009, July 22, 2024] § 622.35 Gear restricted areas. (a) Reef fish stressed area. (1) A powerhead may not be used in the stressed area to take Gulf reef fish. Possession of a powerhead and a mutilated Gulf reef fish in the stressed area or after having fished in the stressed area constitutes prima facie (2) A roller trawl may not be used in the stressed area. Roller trawl means a trawl net equipped with a series of large, solid rollers separated by several smaller spacer rollers on a separate cable or line (sweep) connected to the footrope, which makes it possible to fish the gear over rough bottom, that is, in areas unsuitable for fishing conventional shrimp trawls. Rigid framed trawls adapted for shrimping over uneven bottom, in wide use along the west coast of Florida, and shrimp trawls with hollow plastic rollers for fishing on soft bottoms, are not considered roller trawls. (b) Seasonal prohibitions applicable to bottom longline fishing for Gulf reef fish. Point North lat. West long. A 28°58.70′ 85°30.00′ B 28°59.25′ 85°26.70′ C 28°57.00′ 85°13.80′ D 28°47.40′ 85°3.90′ E 28°19.50′ 84°43.00′ F 28°0.80′ 84°20.00′ G 26°48.80′ 83°40.00′ H 25°17.00′ 83°19.00′ I 24°54.00′ 83°21.00′ J 24°29.50′ 83°12.30′ K 24°26.50′ 83°00.00′ (2) Within the prohibited area and time period specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a vessel with bottom longline gear on board may not possess Gulf reef fish unless the bottom longline gear is appropriately stowed, and a vessel that is using bottom longline gear to fish for species other than Gulf reef fish may not possess Gulf reef fish. For the purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, appropriately stowed means that a longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck; hooks cannot be baited; and all buoys must be disconnected from the gear but may remain on deck. (3) Within the Gulf EEZ east of 85°30′ W long., a vessel for which a valid eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline endorsement has been issued that is fishing bottom longline gear or has bottom longline gear on board cannot possess more than 750 hooks rigged for fishing at any given time. For the purpose of this paragraph, “hooks rigged for fishing” means hooks attached to a line or other device capable of attaching to the mainline of the longline. (c) Reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area. (d) Alabama SMZ. Point North lat. West long. A 30°02.5′ 88°07.7′ B 30°02.6′ 87°59.3′ C 29°55.0′ 87°55.5′ D 29°54.5′ 88°07.5′ A 30°02.5′ 88°07.7′ [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 5212, Feb. 6, 2018] § 622.36 Seasonal harvest limitations. (a) Greater amberjack. i.e., (b) [Reserved] § 622.37 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the Gulf EEZ, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See § 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact. (a) Snapper Red snapper (2) Lane snapper (3) Vermilion snapper (4) Cubera, gray, and yellowtail snappers (5) Mutton snapper (b) Grouper Gag (2) Red grouper (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.38(b)(2)—20 inches (50.8 cm), TL. (3) Scamp (4) Yellowfin grouper (5) Black grouper (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.38(b)(2)—24 inches (61.0 cm), TL. (c) Other Gulf reef fish species Gray triggerfish. (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.38(b)(5)—15 inches (38.1 cm), fork length. (2) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida (3) Banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack (4) Greater amberjack (d) A person aboard a vessel that has a Federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, i.e., [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 75436, Dec. 2, 2015; 81 FR 24040, Apr. 25, 2016; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 15, 2017; 83 FR 29044, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6824, Feb. 6, 2020] § 622.38 Bag and possession limits. (a) Additional applicability provisions for Gulf reef fish. (i) When trawl gear or entangling net gear is on board. A vessel is considered to have trawl gear on board when trawl doors and a net are on board. Removal from the vessel of all trawl doors or all nets constitutes removal of trawl gear. (ii) When a longline or buoy gear is on board and the vessel is fishing or has fished on a trip in the reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area specified in § 622.35(c). A vessel is considered to have a longline on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a cable of diameter and length suitable for use in the longline fishery, and gangions are on board. Removal of any one of these three elements, in its entirety, constitutes removal of a longline. (iii) For a species/species group when its quota has been reached and closure has been effected, provided that no commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, i.e., (iv) When the vessel has on board or is tending any trap other than a stone crab trap or a spiny lobster trap. (2) A person aboard a vessel that has a Federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, i.e., (b) Bag limits Greater amberjack (2) Groupers, combined, excluding goliath grouper (3) Red snapper (4) Snappers, combined, excluding red, lane, and vermilion snapper (5) Gulf reef fish, combined, excluding those specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) and paragraphs (b)(6) and (7) of this section—20. In addition, within the 20-fish aggregate reef fish bag limit, no more than 1 fish may be gray triggerfish and no more than 10 fish may be vermilion snapper. (6) Banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack, combined (7) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida (c) Possession limits for vessels with a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for reef fish. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 78 FR 46822, Aug. 2, 2013; 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 80 FR 18553, Apr. 7, 2015; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 15, 2017; 83 FR 29044, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6824, Feb. 6, 2020; 86 FR 11155, Feb. 24, 2021] § 622.39 Quotas. Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 36548, June 17, 2026. See § 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability and closure and reopening procedures. This section, provides quotas and specific quota closure restrictions for Gulf reef fish. (a) Gulf reef fish Commercial quotas. (i) Commercial quota for red snapper—8,318,100 lb (3,773,027 kg), round weight. (ii) Deep-water groupers (DWG) have a combined quota, as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section. These quotas are specified in gutted weight, that is eviscerated, but otherwise whole. (A) For fishing year 2014—1.110 million lb (0.503 million kg). (B) For fishing year 2015—1.101 million lb (0.499 million kg). (C) For fishing year 2016 and subsequent fishing years—1.024 million lb (0.464 million kg). (iii) Shallow-water groupers (SWG) have separate quotas for gag and red grouper and a combined quota for other shallow-water grouper (Other SWG) species (including black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper), as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii)(A) through (C) of this section. These quotas are specified in gutted weight, that is, eviscerated but otherwise whole. (A) Other SWG combined. 1 ( 2 (B) Gag. Table 1 to Paragraph ( a iii Year Commercial quota in lb 2024 147,000 (66,678) 2025 204,000 (92,533) 2026 255,000 (115,666) 2027 313,000 (141,974) 2028+ 383,000 (173,726) (C) Red grouper. (iv) Tilefishes (including goldface tilefish, blueline tilefish, and tilefish)—582,000 lb (263,991 kg), gutted weight, that is, eviscerated but otherwise whole. (v) Greater amberjack—93,930 lb (42,606 kg), round weight. (vi) Gray triggerfish—88,273 lb (40,040 kg), round weight. (2) Recreational quotas. (i) Recreational quota for red snapper Total recreational. (B) Federal charter vessel/headboat component quota. (C) Private angling component quota. (ii) Recreational quota for greater amberjack. (b) Restrictions applicable after a commercial quota closure. i.e., (2) If the recreational fishery for the indicated species is closed, all harvest or possession in or from the Gulf EEZ of the indicated species is prohibited. (c) Restrictions applicable after a recreational quota closure or recreational component quota closure. i.e., [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013] Editorial Note: For Federal Register www.govinfo.gov. § 622.40 Restrictions on sale/purchase. The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions on sale/purchase related to quota closures as specified in § 622.39(b) and (c). (a) A Gulf reef fish harvested in the EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid commercial permit for Gulf reef fish, as required under § 622.20(a)(1), or a Gulf reef fish possessed under the bag limits specified in § 622.38(b), may not be sold or purchased. (b) A Gulf reef fish harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.20(c)(1). (c) A Gulf reef fish harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.20(c)(1), only from a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.41 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 36548, June 17, 2026. (a) Greater amberjack Commercial sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, if commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, as specified in (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial ACT (commercial quota) and the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of any commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) The commercial ACL for greater amberjack, in round weight, is 101,000 lb (45,813 kg). (2) Recreational sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, if recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the recreational ACT (recreational quota) and the recreational ACL for that following year by the amount of any recreational overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) The recreational ACL for greater amberjack, in round weight, is 404,000 lb (183,251 kg). (b) Gray triggerfish Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. i.e. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) of this section, if gray triggerfish recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, and gray triggerfish are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the ACL and the ACT for that following year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, unless the best scientific information available determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is necessary. (iii) The recreational ACL for gray triggerfish is 360,951 lb (163,725 kg), round weight. The recreational ACT for gray triggerfish is 274,323 lb (124,431 kg), round weight. (c) Other shallow-water grouper (Other SWG) combined (including black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper) Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. (3) The stock complex ACLs for Other SWG, in gutted weight, are 688,000 lb (312,072 kg) for 2012, 700,000 lb (317,515 kg) for 2013, 707,000 lb (320,690 kg) for 2014, and 710,000 lb (322,051 kg) for 2015 and subsequent years. (d) Gag Commercial sector. Table 1 to Paragraph ( d Year Commercial ACL in lb 2024 155,000 (70,307) 2025 215,000 (97,522) 2026 269,000 (122,016) 2027 330,000 (149,685) 2028+ 404,000 (183,251) (2) Recreational sector. Table 2 to Paragraph ( d i Year Recreational ACL Recreational ACT 2024 288,000 (130,635) 230,000 (104,326) 2025 399,000 (180,983) 319,000 (144,696) 2026 499,000 (226,343) 399,000 (180,983) 2027 613,000 (278,052) 490,000 (222,260) 2028+ 751,000 (340,648) 600,000 (272,155) (ii) If the NMFS SRD estimates that gag recreational landings have reached or are projected to reach the applicable recreational ACT specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession limits for gag in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. These bag and possession limits apply in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., (iii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, if the NMFS SRD estimates that gag recreational landings have exceeded the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section and gag is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the following measure will apply. The AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year, to reduce the recreational ACL and ACT for that following year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, unless the best scientific information available determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is necessary. (e) Red grouper Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. i.e. (ii) Without regard to overfished status, and in addition to the measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, if red grouper recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to maintain the red grouper ACT, specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section, for that following fishing year at the level of the prior year's ACT, unless the best scientific information available determines that maintaining the prior year's ACT is unnecessary. In addition, the notification will reduce the length of the recreational red grouper fishing season the following fishing year by the amount necessary to ensure red grouper recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACT in the following fishing year. (iii) If red grouper are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and red grouper recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section, the following measures will apply. In addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the ACL for that following year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, and reduce the ACT, as determined in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, unless the best scientific information available determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is necessary. (iv) The recreational ACL for red grouper in gutted weight is 2.02 million lb (0.92 million kg). The recreational ACT for red grouper in gutted weight is 1.84 million lb (0.83 million kg). (f) Deep-water grouper (DWG) combined (including yellowedge grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, and speckled hind) Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. (3) The stock complex ACLs for DWG, in gutted weight, are 1.216 million lb (0.552 million kg) for 2012, 1.207 million lb (0.547 million kg) for 2013, 1.198 million lb (0.543 million kg) for 2014, 1.189 million lb (0.539 million kg) for 2015, and 1.105 million lb (0.501 million kg) for 2016 and subsequent years. (g) Tilefishes combined (including goldface tilefish, blueline tilefish, and tilefish) Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. (3) The stock complex ACL for tilefishes is 608,000 lb (275,784 kg), gutted weight. (h) Lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish, combined. (i) Silk snapper, queen snapper, blackfin snapper, and wenchman, combined. (j) Vermilion snapper. (k) Lane snapper. (l) Gray snapper. (m) Cubera snapper. (n) Yellowtail snapper. (o) Mutton snapper. (p) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25°09′ N lat. off the west coast of Florida. (q) Red snapper Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. Federal Register. i.e. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (q)(2)(i) of this section, if red snapper recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the total recreational quota specified in § 622.39(a)(2)(i)(A), and red snapper are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the total recreational quota by the amount of the quota overage in the prior fishing year, and reduce the applicable recreational component quota(s) specified in § 622.39(a)(2)(i)(B) and (C) and the applicable recreational component ACT(s) specified in paragraph (q)(2)(iii) of this section (based on the buffer between the total recreational ACT and the total recreational quota specified in the FMP), unless NMFS determines based upon the best scientific information available that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is necessary. (iii) Recreational ACTs. (A) [Reserved] (B) Federal charter vessel/headboat component ACT. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013] Editorial Note: For Federal Register www.govinfo.gov. § 622.42 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf, the RA may establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for Gulf reef fish, or paragraph (b) of this section for sea turtles and other protected species. (a) For a species or species group: Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits (including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas and reopenings, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), accountability measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and identification, vessel markings and identification, acceptable biological catch (ABC) and ABC control rules, rebuilding plans, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (maintaining fish in whole condition, use as bait). (b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear and handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 22386, May 17, 2019; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.43 Commercial trip limits. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows: (a) Greater amberjack. (b) Gray triggerfish (c) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 80 FR 75436, Dec. 2, 2015; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 15, 2017; 85 FR 20614, Apr. 14, 2020; 88 FR 50065, Aug. 1, 2023; 88 FR 87638, Dec. 18, 2023; 89 FR 59009, July 22, 2024] Subpart C—Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of America § 622.50 Permits, permit moratorium, and endorsements. (a) Gulf shrimp permit. (b) Moratorium on commercial vessel permits for Gulf shrimp. (1) Moratorium permits are required. (2) Permit transferability. (3) Renewal. (ii) Except as provided for in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section, a commercial vessel moratorium permit for Gulf shrimp that is not renewed will be terminated and will not be reissued during the moratorium. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (iii) When NMFS has determined that the number of commercial vessel moratorium permits for Gulf shrimp has reached the threshold number of permits as described in the FMP, then a commercial vessel moratorium permit for Gulf shrimp that is not renewed will be converted to a Gulf shrimp reserve pool permit and held by NMFS for possible reissuance. Gulf shrimp reserve pool permits will not be issued until eligibility requirements are developed and implemented through subsequent rulemaking. (c) Gulf royal red shrimp endorsement. (d) Permit procedures. (e) Gulf shrimp transit provision. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 47735, July 22, 2016; 82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.51 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators General reporting requirement. (2) Electronic logbook reporting. (3) Vessel and Gear Characterization Form. (4) Landings report. (b) Gulf shrimp dealers. (1) Name and official number of the vessel from which shrimp were received or the name of the person from whom shrimp were received, if received from other than a vessel. (2) Amount of shrimp received by species and size category for each receipt. (3) Ex-vessel value, by species and size category, for each receipt. § 622.52 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.53 Bycatch reduction device (BRD) requirements. (a) BRD requirement for Gulf shrimp. (1) Exemptions from BRD requirement Royal red shrimp exemption. (ii) Try net exemption. (iii) Roller trawl exemption. (iv) BRD certification testing exemption. (2) Procedures for certification and decertification of BRDs. (i) Pre-certification. (A) A person who wants to conduct pre-certification phase testing must submit an application to the RA, as specified in the “Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual.” The “Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual,” which is available from the RA, upon request, contains the application forms. (B) After reviewing the application, the RA will determine whether to issue a Gear Test Authorization (GTA) to conduct pre-certification trials upon the vessel specified in the application. If the RA authorizes pre-certification, the RA's GTA must be on board the vessel during any trip involving the BRD testing. (ii) Certification. (iii) Provisional certification. i.e., Federal Register (iv) Decertification. (3) Certified and provisionally certified BRDs Certified BRDS. (A) Fisheye—see Appendix D to part 622 for separate specifications in the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ. (B) Jones-Davis. (C) Modified Jones-Davis. (D) Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel. (E) Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel. (ii) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 6818, Feb. 6, 2020; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.54 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Traps for royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ and transfer at sea. (b) [Reserved] § 622.55 Closed areas. (a) Texas closure. (2) In accordance with the procedures and restrictions of the Gulf Shrimp FMP, the RA may adjust the closing and/or opening date of the Texas closure to provide an earlier, later, shorter, or longer closure, but the duration of the closure may not exceed 90 days or be less than 45 days. Notification of the adjustment of the closing or opening date will be published in the Federal Register. (b) Southwest Florida seasonal trawl closure. Table 1 to Paragraph (b) Point North lat. West long. B 1 26°16.0′ 81°58.5′ C 26°00.0′ 82°04.0′ D 25°09.0′ 81°47.6′ E 24°54.5′ 81°50.5′ M 1 24°49.3′ 81°46.4′ 1 (c) Tortugas shrimp sanctuary. Table 1 to Paragraph (c)(1) Point North lat. West long. N 1 25°52′54″ 81°37′56″ F 24°50′42″ 81°51′18″ G 2 24°40′00″ 82°26′39″ H 3 24°34′44″ 82°35′27″ P 4 24°35′00″ 82°08′00″ 1 2 3 4 (2) The provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section notwithstanding— (i) Effective from April 11 through September 30, each year, that part of the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting the following points is open to trawling: From point T at 24°47.8′ N. lat., 82°01.0′ W. long. to point U at 24°43.83′ N. lat., 82°01.0′ W. long. (on the line denoting the seaward limit of Florida's waters); thence along the seaward limit of Florida's waters, as shown on the current edition of NOAA chart 11439, to point V at 24°42.55′ N. lat., 82°15.0′ W. long.; thence north to point W at 24°43.6′ N. lat., 82°15.0′ W. long. (ii) Effective from April 11 through July 31, each year, that part of the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting the following points is open to trawling: From point W to point V, both points as specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, to point G, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (iii) Effective from May 26 through July 31, each year, that part of the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting the following points is open to trawling: From point F, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, to point Q at 24°46.7′ N lat., 81°52.2′ W long. (on the line denoting the seaward limit of Florida's waters); thence along the seaward limit of Florida's waters, as shown on the current edition of NOAA chart 11439, to point U and north to point T, both points as specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. (d) Closures of the Gulf shrimp fishery to reduce red snapper bycatch. (1) Procedure for determining need for and extent of closures. Each year, in accordance with the applicable framework procedure established by the Gulf Shrimp FMP, the RA will, if necessary, establish a seasonal area closure for the shrimp fishery in all or a portion of the areas of the Gulf EEZ specified in paragraphs (d)(2) through (4) of this section. The RA's determination of the need for such closure and its geographical scope and duration will be based on an annual assessment, by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, of the shrimp effort and associated shrimp trawl bycatch mortality on red snapper in the 10-30 fathom area of statistical zones 10-21, compared to the 60-percent target reduction of shrimp trawl bycatch mortality on red snapper from the benchmark years of 2001-2003 established in the FMP (which corresponds in terms of annual shrimp effort to 33,124 days fished). The framework procedure provides for adjustment of this target reduction level, consistent with the red snapper stock rebuilding plan and the findings of subsequent stock assessments, via appropriate rulemaking. The assessment will use shrimp effort data for the most recent 12-month period available and will include a recommendation regarding the geographical scope and duration of the closure. The Southeast Fisheries Science Center's assessment will be provided to the RA on or about March 1 of each year. If the RA determines that a closure is necessary, the closure falls within the scope of the potential closures evaluated in the Gulf Shrimp FMP, and good cause exists to waive notice and comment, NMFS will implement the closure by publication of a final rule in the Federal Register. (2) Eastern zone. Table 1 to Paragraph (d) Point North lat. West long. A 29°14′ 88°57′ B 29°24′ 88°34′ C 29°34′ 87°38′ D 30°04′ 87°00′ E 30°04′ 88°41′ F 29°36′ 88°37′ G 29°21′ 88°59′ A 29°14′ 88°57′ (3) Louisiana zone. Table 2 to Paragraph (d) Point North lat. West long. A 29°09.1′ 93°41.4′ B 29°09.25′ 92°36′ C 28°35′ 90°44′ D 29°09′ 89°48′ E 28°57′ 89°34′ F 28°40′ 90°09′ G 28°18′ 90°33′ H 28°25′ 91°37′ I 28°21.7′ 93°28.4′ A 29°09.1′ 93°41.4′ (4) Texas zone. Table 3 to Paragraph (d) Point North lat. West long. A 29°09.1′ 93°41.4′ B 28°44′ 95°15′ C 28°11′ 96°17′ D 27°44′ 96°53′ E 27°02′ 97°11′ F 26°00.5′ 96°57.3′ G 26°00.5′ 96°35.85′ H 26°24′ 96°36′ I 26°49′ 96°52′ J 27°12′ 96°51′ K 27°39′ 96°33′ L 27°55′ 96°04′ M 28°21.7′ 93°28.4′ A 29°09.1′ 93°41.4′ (e) Shrimp/stone crab separation zones. Table 1 to Paragraph (e) Point North lat. West long. A 28°59′30″ 82°45′36″ B 28°59′30″ 83°00′10″ C 28°26′01″ 82°59′47″ D 28°26′01″ 82°56′54″ E 28°41′39″ 82°55′25″ F 28°41′39″ 82°56′09″ G 28°48′56″ 82°56′19″ H 28°53′51″ 82°51′19″ I 1 28°54′43″ 82°44′52″ J 2 28°51′09″ 82°44′00″ K 28°50′59″ 82°54′16″ L 28°41′39″ 82°53′56″ M 3 28°41′39″ 82°38′46″ N 28°41′39″ 82°53′12″ O 28°30′51″ 82°55′11″ P 28°40′00″ 82°53′08″ Q 28°40′00″ 82°47′58″ R 28°35′14″ 82°47′47″ S 28°30′51″ 82°52′55″ T 28°27′46″ 82°55′09″ U 28°30′51″ 82°52′09″ 1 2 3 (1) Zone I (2) Zone II (3) Zone III (4) Zone IV (i) It is unlawful to place a stone crab trap in that part of Zone IV that is in the EEZ from October 5 through December 1 and from April 2 through May 20, each year. (ii) It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone IV that is in the EEZ from December 2 through April 1, each year. (5) Zone V (i) It is unlawful to place a stone crab trap in that part of Zone V that is in the EEZ from October 5 through November 30 and from March 16 through May 20, each year. (ii) It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone V that is in the EEZ from December 1 through March 15, each year. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 29046, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6818, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.56 Size limits. Shrimp not in compliance with the applicable size limit as specified in this section may not be possessed, sold, or purchased and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that shrimp on board are in compliance with the size limit specified in this section. (a) White shrimp. (b) [Reserved] § 622.57 [Reserved] § 622.58 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Royal red shrimp in the Gulf Commercial sector. (2) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 15692, Mar. 25, 2015] § 622.59 Prevention of gear conflicts. (a) No person may knowingly place in the Gulf EEZ any article, including fishing gear, that interferes with fishing or obstructs or damages fishing gear or the fishing vessel of another; or knowingly use fishing gear in such a fashion that it obstructs or damages the fishing gear or fishing vessel of another. (b) In accordance with the procedures and restrictions of the Gulf Shrimp FMP, the RA may modify or establish separation zones for shrimp trawling and the use of fixed gear to prevent gear conflicts. Necessary prohibitions or restrictions will be published in the Federal Register. § 622.60 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the Gulf Shrimp FMP, the RA may establish or modify the following: (a) Gulf penaeid shrimp. (b) Gulf royal red shrimp. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 74712, Nov. 30, 2015; 85 FR 6819, Feb. 6, 2020] Subpart D—Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of America § 622.70 Permits. See § 622.4 for information regarding general permit procedures including, but not limited to fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and replacement. (a) Required permits Allowable chemical. (2) Aquacultured live rock. (3) Prohibited coral. (4) Florida permits. (i) Landing in Florida fish or other marine organisms taken with an allowable chemical in a coral area. (ii) Landing allowable octocoral in Florida. (iii) Landing live rock in Florida. (b) Application. (2) An applicant must provide the following: (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information of the applicant. (ii) Name and address of any affiliated company, institution, or organization. (iii) Information concerning vessels, harvesting gear/methods, or fishing areas, as specified on the application form. (iv) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit. (v) If applying for an aquacultured live rock permit, identification of each vessel that will be depositing material on or harvesting aquacultured live rock from the proposed aquacultured live rock site, specification of the port of landing of aquacultured live rock, and a site evaluation report prepared pursuant to generally accepted industry standards that— (A) Provides accurate coordinates of the proposed harvesting site so that it can be located using LORAN or Global Positioning System equipment; (B) Shows the site on a chart in sufficient detail to determine its size and allow for site inspection; (C) Discusses possible hazards to safe navigation or hindrance to vessel traffic, traditional fishing operations, or other public access that may result from aquacultured live rock at the site; (D) Describes the naturally occurring bottom habitat at the site; and (E) Specifies the type and origin of material to be deposited on the site and how it will be distinguishable from the naturally occurring substrate. § 622.71 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Individuals with aquacultured live rock permits. (i) Permit number of site and date of deposit. (ii) Geological origin of material deposited. (iii) Amount of material deposited. (iv) Source of material deposited, that is, where obtained, if removed from another habitat, or from whom purchased. (2) A person who takes aquacultured live rock must submit a report of harvest to the RA. Specific reporting requirements will be provided with the permit. This reporting requirement is waived for aquacultured live rock that is landed in Florida. (b) [Reserved] § 622.72 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Power-assisted tools. (b) [Reserved] § 622.73 Prohibited species. (a) General. (b) Prohibited coral. (c) Wild live rock may not be harvested or possessed in or from the Gulf EEZ. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017] § 622.74 Area closures to protect Gulf corals. For the purposes of this section, fishing gear is deployed if any part of the gear is in contact with the water. (a) Florida Middle Grounds HAPC. Table 1 to Paragraph (a) Point North lat. West long. A 28°42.500′ 84°24.800′ B 28°42.500′ 84°16.300′ C 28°11.000′ 84°00.000′ D 28°11.000′ 84°07.000′ E 28°26.600′ 84°24.800′ A 28°42.500′ 84°24.800′ (b) Tortugas marine reserves HAPC. (1) EEZ portion of Tortugas North HAPC. (2) Tortugas South HAPC. Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(2) Point North lat. West long. A 24°33.000′ 83°09.000′ B 24°33.000′ 83°05.000′ C 24°18.000′ 83°05.000′ D 24°18.000′ 83°09.000′ A 24°33.000′ 83°09.000′ (c) Pulley Ridge South HAPC. Table 3 to Paragraph (c) Point North lat. West long. A 24°58.300′ 83°38.550′ B 24°58.300′ 83°37.000′ C 24°41.183′ 83°37.000′ D 24°40.000′ 83°41.367′ E 24°43.917′ 83°47.250′ A 24°58.300′ 83°38.550′ (d) Pulley Ridge South Portion A HAPC. Table 4 to Paragraph (d) Point North lat. West long. A 24°40.000′ 83°41.366′ B 24°39.666′ 83°42.648′ C 24°47.555′ 83°55.240′ D 24°57.065′ 83°48.405′ E 24°52.859′ 83°41.841′ F 24°43.917′ 83°47.250′ A 24°40.000′ 83°41.366′ (e) West Florida Wall HAPC. Table 5 to Paragraph (e) Point North lat. West long. A 26°28.835′ 84°47.955′ B 26°28.816′ 84°46.754′ C 26°10.471′ 84°42.076′ D 26°10.528′ 84°44.577′ E 26°25.028′ 84°47.986′ F 26°25.100′ 84°47.980′ A 26°28.835′ 84°47.955′ (f) Alabama Alps Reef HAPC. Table 6 to Paragraph ( f Point North lat. West long. A 29°16.160′ 88°20.525′ B 29°15.427′ 88°18.990′ C 29°13.380′ 88°19.051′ D 29°14.140′ 88°20.533′ A 29°16.160′ 88°20.525′ (g) L & W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef HAPC. Table 7 to Paragraph ( g Point North lat. West long. A 29°18.595′ 87°48.757′ B 29°18.484′ 87°50.688′ C 29°19.754′ 87°52.484′ D 29°20.401′ 87°51.449′ E 29°20.095′ 87°50.933′ F 29°20.832′ 87°46.631′ G 29°21.473′ 87°46.326′ H 29°21.314′ 87°45.535′ I 29°22.518′ 87°43.465′ J 29°21.144′ 87°42.632′ K 29°19.269′ 87°45.525′ A 29°18.595′ 87°48.757′ (h) Mississippi Canyon 118 HAPC. Table 8 to Paragraph ( h Point North lat. West long. A 28°53.183′ 88°30.789′ B 28°53.216′ 88°27.819′ C 28°50.602′ 88°27.782′ D 28°48.944′ 88°27.759′ E 28°48.962′ 88°30.727′ A 28°53.183′ 88°30.789′ (i) Roughtongue Reef HAPC. Table 9 to Paragraph ( i Point North lat. West long. A 29°27.596′ 87°37.527′ B 29°27.621′ 87°31.552′ C 29°25.007′ 87°31.539′ D 29°24.981′ 87°37.510′ A 29°27.596′ 87°37.527′ (j) Viosca Knoll 826 HAPC. Table 10 to Paragraph ( j Point North lat. West long. A 29°10.920′ 88°03.509′ B 29°10.877′ 87°59.460′ C 29°07.974′ 87°59.448′ D 29°08.017′ 88°03.532′ A 29°10.920′ 88°03.509′ (k) Viosca Knoll 862/906 HAPC. Table 11 to Paragraph (k) Point North lat. West long. A 29°07.640′ 88°23.608′ B 29°07.603′ 88°20.590′ C 29°03.749′ 88°20.554′ D 29°03.734′ 88°22.016′ E 29°02.367′ 88°21.998′ F 29°02.281′ 88°24.972′ G 29°07.568′ 88°25.044′ H 29°07.592′ 88°25.044′ I 29°07.676′ 88°25.045′ A 29°07.640′ 88°23.608′ (l) McGrail Bank HAPC. Table 12 to Paragraph (l) Point North lat. West long. A 27°59.100′ 92°37.320′ B 27°59.100′ 92°32.290′ C 27°55.925′ 92°32.290′ D 27°55.925′ 92°37.320′ A 27°59.100′ 92°37.320′ (m) AT 047 HAPC. Table 13 to Paragraph (m) Point North lat. West long. A 27°54.426′ 89°49.404′ B 27°54.486′ 89°46.464′ C 27°51.874′ 89°46.397′ D 27°51.814′ 89°49.336′ A 27°54.426′ 89°49.404′ (n) AT 357 HAPC. Table 14 to Paragraph (n) Point North lat. West long. A 27°36.259' 89°43.068' B 27°36.315' 89°40.136' C 27°33.703' 89°40.073' D 27°33.646' 89°43.004' A 27°36.259' 89°43.068' (o) Green Canyon 852 HAPC. Table 15 to Paragraph (o) Point North lat. West long. A 27°08.354′ 91°08.929′ B 27°05.740′ 91°08.963′ C 27°05.762′ 91°10.610′ D 27°08.376′ 91°10.567′ A 27°08.354′ 91°08.929′ (p) West Flower Garden Bank HAPC. Table 16 to Paragraph (p) Point North lat. West long. A 27°55.380′ 93°53.160′ B 27°55.380′ 93°46.767′ C 27°49.050′ 93°46.767′ D 27°49.050′ 93°53.160′ A 27°55.380′ 93°53.160′ (q) East Flower Garden Bank HAPC. Table 17 to Paragraph (q) Point North lat. West long. A 27°59.240′ 93°38.970′ B 27°59.240′ 93°34.058′ C 27°52.608′ 93°34.058′ D 27°52.608′ 93°38.970′ A 27°59.240′ 93°38.970′ (r) Stetson Bank HAPC. Table 18 to Paragraph (r) Point North lat. West long. A 28°10.638′ 94°18.608′ B 28°10.638′ 94°17.105′ C 28°09.310′ 94°17.105′ D 28°09.310′ 94°18.608′ A 28°10.638′ 94°18.608′ (s) Harte Bank HAPC. Table 19 to Paragraph (s) Point North lat. West long. A 26°40.826′ 96°36.590′ B 26°40.789′ 96°32.220′ C 26°37.992′ 96°32.308′ D 26°38.043′ 96°36.636′ A 26°40.826′ 96°36.590′ (t) Southern Bank HAPC. Table 20 to Paragraph (t) Point North lat. West long. A 27°26.923′ 96°31.902′ B 27°26.989′ 96°30.881′ C 27°25.958′ 96°31.134′ D 27°25.958′ 96°31.892′ A 27°26.923′ 96°31.902′ [85 FR 65746, Oct. 16, 2020] § 622.75 Harvest limitations. (a) Aquacultured live rock. (1) Aquacultured live rock may be harvested only under a permit, as required under § 622.70(a)(2), and aquacultured live rock on a site may be harvested only by the person, or his or her employee, contractor, or agent, who has been issued the aquacultured live rock permit for the site. A person harvesting aquacultured live rock is exempt from the prohibition on taking prohibited coral for such prohibited coral as attaches to aquacultured live rock. (2) The following restrictions apply to individual aquaculture activities: (i) No aquaculture site may exceed 1 acre (0.4 ha) in size. (ii) Material deposited on the aquaculture site— (A) May not be placed over naturally occurring reef outcrops, limestone ledges, coral reefs, or vegetated areas. (B) Must be free of contaminants. (C) Must be nontoxic. (D) Must be placed on the site by hand or lowered completely to the bottom under restraint, that is, not allowed to fall freely. (E) Must be placed from a vessel that is anchored. (F) Must be distinguishable, geologically or otherwise (for example, be indelibly marked or tagged), from the naturally occurring substrate. (iii) A minimum setback of at least 50 ft (15.2 m) must be maintained from natural vegetated or hard bottom habitats. (3) Mechanically dredging or drilling, or otherwise disturbing, aquacultured live rock is prohibited, and aquacultured live rock may be harvested only by hand. (4) Not less than 24 hours prior to harvest of aquacultured live rock, the owner or operator of the harvesting vessel must provide the following information to the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-824-5344): (i) Permit number of site to be harvested and date of harvest. (ii) Name and official number of the vessel to be used in harvesting. (iii) Date, port, and facility at which aquacultured live rock will be landed. (b) [Reserved] § 622.76 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) Gulf wild live rock. (b) [Reserved] § 622.77 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf, the RA may establish or modify the following: (a) Gulf coral resources. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] Subpart E—Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of America Source: 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014, unless otherwise noted. § 622.90 Permits. (a) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (b) Permit procedures. § 622.91 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Dealers. (b) [Reserved] § 622.92 Prohibited species. (a) General. (b) Red drum. § 622.93 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf, the RA may establish or modify the following items: (a) Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits (including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas and reopenings, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), accountability measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, TAC, management parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and identification, vessel markings and identification, ABC and ABC control rules, rebuilding plans, sale and purchase restrictions, transfer at sea provisions, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (maintaining fish in whole condition, use as bait). (b) [Reserved] [79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014, as amended at 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] Subpart F—Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of America Source: 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016, unless otherwise noted. § 622.100 General. This subpart provides the regulatory structure for enabling environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the Gulf EEZ. Offshore marine aquaculture activities are authorized by a Gulf aquaculture permit or Gulf aquaculture dealer permit issued under § 622.101 and are conducted in compliance with the provisions of this subpart. Aquaculture of live rock is addressed elsewhere in this part and is exempt from the provisions of this subpart. (a) Electronic system requirements. e.g., http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/aquaculture/ (2) The RA will mail each person who is issued a Gulf aquaculture permit or a Gulf aquaculture dealer permit information and instructions pertinent to using the online system and setting up an online aquaculture account. The RA also will mail each permittee a user identification number and will provide each permittee a personal identification number (PIN) in a subsequent letter. Each permittee must monitor his/her online account and all associated messages and comply with all online reporting requirements. (3) During catastrophic conditions only, the RA may authorize use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a backup to what would normally be reported electronically. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, (b) [Reserved] § 622.101 Permits. (a) Gulf aquaculture permit. (1) Eligibility requirement for a Gulf aquaculture permit. (2) Application for a Gulf aquaculture permit. (i) Applicant's name, address, and telephone number. (ii) Business name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, and, if the applicant is a corporation, corporate structure and shareholder information. (iii) Information sufficient to document eligibility as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. (iv) Description of the exact location ( i.e., (v) A baseline environmental survey of the proposed aquaculture site. The assessment must be conducted, and the data, analyses, and results must be summarized and presented, consistent with the guidelines specified by NMFS. NMFS' guidelines will include methods and procedures for conducting diver and video surveys, measuring hydrographic conditions, collecting and analyzing benthic sediments and infauna, and measuring water quality characteristics. The guidelines will be available on the Web site and from the RA upon request. (vi) A list of allowable aquaculture species to be cultured; estimated start up production level by species; and the estimated maximum total annual poundage of each species to be harvested from the aquaculture facility. (vii) Name and address or specific location of each hatchery that would provide juvenile animals for grow-out at the proposed aquaculture facility located within the Gulf EEZ and a copy of all relevant, valid state or Federal aquaculture permits issued to the hatchery. (viii) A description of the aquaculture system(s) to be used, including the number, size and dimensions of the aquaculture system(s), a description of the mooring system(s) used to secure the aquaculture system(s), and documentation of the aquaculture system's ability to withstand physical stress, such as hurricanes, wave energy, etc., including a copy of any available engineering analysis. (ix) A description of the equipment and methods to be used for feeding, transporting, maintaining, and removing cultured species from aquaculture systems. (x) A copy of the valid USCG certificate of documentation or, if not documented, a copy of the valid state registration certificate for each vessel involved in the aquaculture operation; and documentation or identification numbers for any aircraft or vehicles involved. (xi) Documentation certifying that: (A) the applicant agrees to immediately remove cultured animals remaining in approved aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered by the RA if it is discovered that the animals are genetically engineered or transgenic; (B) the applicant agrees to immediately remove cultured animals remaining in approved aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered by the RA if fish are discovered to be infected with a World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) reportable pathogen that represents a new detection in the Gulf or a new detection for that cultured species in the U.S. is found at the facility, or additional pathogens that are subsequently identified as reportable pathogens in the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan (NAAHP), or any other pathogen determined by NMFS and APHIS to pose a significant threat to the health of wild aquatic organisms; and, (C) the applicant agrees to immediately remove all components of the aquaculture system and cultured animals remaining in approved aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered by the RA if there are any other violations of the permit conditions or regulations other than those listed in paragraphs (a)(2)(xi)(A) and (B) of this section which causes the RA to order such removal. (xii) Documentation certifying the applicant has obtained an assurance bond sufficient to cover the costs of removal of all components of the aquaculture facility, including cultured animals remaining in approved aquaculture systems, from the Gulf EEZ. The assurance bond would not be required to cover the costs of removing an oil and gas platform. The RA will provide applicants a form and associated guidance for complying with the assurance bond requirement. The applicant must also provide documentation certifying the applicant has established a standby trust fund into which any payments made towards the assurance bond can be deposited. The trustee of the standby trust may not be the same entity as the permittee. The assurance bond is payable at the discretion of the RA to a designee as specified in the bond or to a standby trust. When the RA directs the payment into a standby trust, all amounts paid by the assurance bond provider must be deposited directly into the standby trust fund for distribution by the trustee in accordance with the RA's instructions. A permittee will be deemed to be without the required financial assurance in the event of bankruptcy of the trustee or issuing institution, or a suspension or revocation of the authority of the trustee institution to act as trustee or of the institution issuing the assurance bond. The permittee must establish other financial assurance within 60 days after such an event. (xiii) Certification by the applicant that all broodstock, or progeny of such wild broodstock, used to provide juveniles to the aquaculture facility will be or were originally harvested from U.S. waters of the Gulf, and will be or were from the same population or subpopulation (based on the best scientific information available) where the facility is located, and that each individual broodstock was marked or tagged at the hatchery to allow for identification of those individuals used in spawning. (xiv) Certification by the applicant that no genetically engineered or transgenic animals are used or possessed for culture purposes at the aquaculture facility. (xv) Copy of a contractual arrangement with an identified aquatic animal health expert to provide services to the aquaculture facility has been obtained. A copy of the license or certification also must be provided to NMFS. (xvi) A copy of an emergency disaster plan, developed for and to be used by the operator of the aquaculture facility, that includes, procedures for preparing or if necessary removing aquaculture systems, aquaculture equipment, and cultured animals in the event of a disaster ( e.g., (xvii) Any other information concerning the aquaculture facility or its operations or equipment, as specified on the application form. (xviii) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the Gulf aquaculture permit, as specified on the application form. (b) Gulf aquaculture dealer permit. (1) Application for a Gulf aquaculture dealer permit. (i) A copy of each state wholesaler's license held by the dealer. (ii) Name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, and other identifying information of the business. (iii) The address of each physical facility at a fixed location where the business receives fish from an aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ. (iv) Name, address, telephone number, other identifying information, and official capacity in the business of the applicant. (v) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (2) [Reserved] (c) Permit requirements for other aquaculture-related activities. (1) Possess or transport fish in or from the Gulf EEZ to be cultured at an aquaculture facility ( e.g., (2) Operate, in support of aquaculture related activities, any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft authorized for use in operations related to an aquaculture facility, i.e., (3) Harvest and retain on board a vessel live wild broodstock for use in an aquaculture facility regardless of where the broodstock is harvested or possessed. (d) Permit-related procedures Fees. (2) Review and notifications regarding a Gulf aquaculture permit. Federal Register (ii) As soon as practicable after the opportunity for public comment ends, the RA will notify the applicant and the Council in writing of the decision to grant or deny the Gulf aquaculture permit. If the RA grants the permit, the RA will publish a notification of the permit approval in the Federal Register. Federal Register (A) The applicant has failed to disclose material information or has made false statements with respect to any material fact, in connection with the Gulf aquaculture permit application; (B) Based on the best scientific information available, issuance of the permit would pose significant risk to wild fish stocks, marine mammals, threatened or endangered species, essential fish habitat, public health, or safety; or, (C) Activities proposed to be conducted under the Gulf aquaculture permit are inconsistent with aquaculture regulations in this section, the management objectives of the FMP, or the Magnuson-Stevens Act or other applicable law. (D) Use of the proposed site is denied based on the criteria set forth in § 622.103(a)(4). (3) Initial issuance. (ii) Prior to issuance of a Gulf aquaculture permit, a copy of currently valid Federal permits ( e.g., (iii) The RA will issue an initial permit to an applicant after the review and notification procedures set forth in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section are complete and the decision to grant the permit is made under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section. The initial permit will be issued 30 days after the RA notifies the applicant of the decision to grant the permit, unless NMFS receives a written request from the applicant before the end of the 30 day period to defer issuance of the permit. If the applicant requests a deferral, NMFS will include this information in the notification of permit approval published in the Federal Register Federal Register (4) Duration. (5) Transfer. i.e., e.g., (ii) An aquaculture dealer permit is not transferable. (6) Renewal. (7) Display. (8) Sanctions and denials. (9) Alteration. (10) Replacement. (11) Change in application information. § 622.102 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Participants in Gulf aquaculture activities addressed in this subpart must keep records and report as specified in this section. Unless otherwise specified, required reporting must be accomplished electronically via the Web site. See § 622.100(a)(3) regarding provisions for paper-based reporting in lieu of electronic reporting during catastrophic conditions as determined by the RA. Recordkeeping ( i.e., (1) Aquaculture facility owners or operators. (i) Reporting requirements Transport of fingerlings/juvenile fish to an aquaculture facility. (B) Major escapement. e.g., 1 6 ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 ( 6 (C) Pathogens. 1 6 ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 ( 6 (D) Harvest notification. (E) Landing information. (F) Change of hatchery. (G) Entanglements or interactions with marine mammals, endangered species, or migratory birds. 1 5 ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 (H) Feed invoices. (I) Any other reporting requirements specified by the RA for evaluating and assessing the environmental impacts of an aquaculture operation. (ii) Other reporting requirements. (A) Provide NMFS with current copies of all valid state and Federal permits ( e.g., (B) Provide NMFS with current copies of all valid state and Federal aquaculture permits for each hatchery from which fingerlings or other juvenile animals are obtained and report any changes applicable to those permits within 30 days. (iii) Recordkeeping requirements. (A) Maintain for the most recent 3 years and make available to NMFS or an authorized officer, upon request, monitoring reports related to aquaculture activities required by all other state and Federal permits ( e.g., (B) Maintain records of all sales of fish for the most recent 3 years and make that information available to NMFS or an authorized officer upon request. Sale records must include the species and quantity of fish sold in pounds round weight; estimated average weight of fish sold to the nearest tenth of a pound by species; date sold; and the name of the entity to whom fish were sold. (2) Aquaculture dealer recordkeeping and reporting requirements. (i) Complete a landing transaction report for each landing and sale of cultured animals via the Web site at the time of the transaction in accordance with reporting form and instructions provided on the Web site. This report includes date, time, and location of transaction; information necessary to identify the Gulf aquaculture permit holder, vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction; quantity, in pounds round weight, and estimated average weight of each species landed to the nearest tenth of a pound; and average price paid for cultured animals landed and sold by market category. A dealer must maintain such record for at least 3 years after the receipt date and must make such record available for inspection upon request to NMFS or an authorized officer. (ii) After the dealer submits the report and the information has been verified, the Web site will send a transaction approval code to the dealer and the aquaculture permit holder. (b) [Reserved] § 622.103 Aquaculture facilities. (a) Siting requirements and conditions. (2) No aquaculture facility may be sited within 1.6 nautical miles (3 km) of another aquaculture facility and all structures associated with the facility must remain within the sited boundaries. (3) To allow fallowing and rotation of approved aquaculture systems within a site permitted by the ACOE and approved by NMFS, the permitted site for the aquaculture facility must be at least twice as large as the combined area of the aquaculture systems. (4) The RA will evaluate siting criteria for proposed offshore aquaculture operations on a case-by-case basis. Criteria considered by the RA during case-by-case review include data, analyses, and results of the required baseline environmental survey as specified in § 622.101(a)(2)(v); depth of the site; the frequency of harmful algal blooms or hypoxia at the proposed site; marine mammal migratory pathways; the location of the site relative to commercial and recreational fishing grounds and important natural fishery habitats ( e.g., (b) [Reserved] § 622.104 Restricted access zones. (a) Establishment of restricted access zones. (b) Prohibited activities within a restricted access zone. i.e., (c) Marking requirement. § 622.105 Allowable aquaculture systems and species. (a) Allowable aquaculture systems. e.g., e.g. (b) Allowable aquaculture species. (1) Species of coastal migratory pelagic fish, as defined in § 622.2. (2) Species of Gulf reef fish, as listed in appendix A to this part. (3) Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. (4) Spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. § 622.106 Aquaculture operations. (a) Operational requirements and restrictions. (1) Minimum start-up requirement. e.g., (2) Marking requirement. e.g., (3) Restriction on allowable hatcheries. (4) Hatchery certifications. e.g., (ii) The permittee also must obtain and submit to NMFS signed certification from the owner(s) of the hatchery indicating that fin clips or other genetic materials were collected and submitted for each individual brood animal in accordance with procedures specified by NMFS. (iii) The certifications required in paragraphs (a)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section must be provided to NMFS by the permittee each time broodstock are acquired by the hatchery or used for spawning. (5) Health certification. (6) Use of drugs and other chemicals or agents. e.g., et seq.; (7) Feed practices and monitoring. (8) Monitoring and reporting compliance. (9) Inspection for protected species. (10) Fishing gear stowage requirement. (i) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (ii) A trawl net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the trawl gear and must be secured. (iii) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck. (iv) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck. Terminal gear ( i.e., (v) All other fishing gear must be stored below deck or in an area where it is not normally used or readily available for fishing. (11) Prohibition of possession of wild fish in restricted access zone. (12) Prohibition of possession of wild fish aboard vessels, vehicles, or aircraft associated with aquaculture operations. (13) Maintaining fish intact prior to landing. (14) Restriction on offloading. (15) Bill of lading requirement. (16) Request to harvest broodstock. (ii) Allowable methods or gear used for broodstock capture in the EEZ include those identified for each respective fishery in § 600.725, except red drum, which may be harvested only with handline or rod and reel. (iii) The RA may deny or modify a request for broodstock harvest if allowable methods or gear are not proposed for use, the number of fish harvested for broodstock is more than necessary for purposes of spawning and rearing activities, or the harvest will be inconsistent with FMP objectives or other Federal laws. If a broodstock collection request is denied or modified, the RA will provide the determination and the basis for it, in writing to the permittee. If a broodstock collection request is approved, the permittee must submit a report to the RA including the number and species of broodstock harvested, their size (length and weight), and the geographic location where the broodstock were captured. The report must be submitted on a Web-based form available on the Web site no later than 15 days after the date of harvest. (iv) Notwithstanding the requirements in § 622.106(a)(16), all proposed harvest of broodstock from state waters also must comply with all state laws applicable to the harvest of such species. (17) Authorized access to aquaculture facilities. (b) [Reserved] § 622.107 Limitation on aquaculture production. No individual, corporation, or other entity will be authorized to produce more than 12.8 million lb (5.8 million kg), round weight, of cultured species annually from permitted aquaculture facilities in the Gulf EEZ. Production of juvenile fish by a hatchery in the Gulf EEZ will not be counted toward this limitation because those fish would be accounted for subsequently via reported harvest at the aquaculture facility where grow out occurs. § 622.108 Remedial actions. (a) Potential remedial actions by NMFS. (1) Actions to address pathogen episodes. (2) Actions to address genetic issues. (b) [Reserved] § 622.109 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf, the RA may establish or modify the items in paragraph (a) of this section for offshore marine aquaculture. (a) For the entire aquaculture fishery: MSY, OY, permit application requirements, operational requirements and restrictions, including monitoring requirements, aquaculture system requirements, siting requirements for aquaculture facilities, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements. (b) [Reserved] [81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016, as amended at 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] Subparts G-H [Reserved] Subpart I—Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region § 622.170 Permits and endorsements. (a) Commercial vessel permits South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (2) Wreckfish. (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (2) [Reserved] (c) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (d) Permit procedures. (e) South Atlantic black sea bass pot endorsement. (1) Initial eligibility. (2) Initial issuance. (3) Procedure for appealing black sea bass pot endorsement eligibility and/or landings information. (i) Eligibility appeals. (ii) Landings appeals. (4) Transferability. (5) Fees. (f) South Atlantic golden tilefish longline endorsement. (1) Initial eligibility. (2) Initial issuance. (3) Procedure for appealing golden tilefish longline endorsement eligibility and/or landings information. (i) Eligibility appeals. (ii) Landings appeals. (4) Transferability. (5) Fees. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23862, Apr. 23, 2013; 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.171 South Atlantic snapper-grouper limited access. (a) General. (b) Transfers of permits. (1) Transferable permits. (ii) A transferable permit may be transferred upon a change of ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit— (A) From one to another of the following: husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father; or (B) From an individual to a corporation whose shares are all held by the individual or by the individual and one or more of the following: husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. The application for transfer of a permit under this paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) and each application for renewal of such permit must be accompanied by a current annual report of the corporation that specifies all shareholders of the corporation. A permit will not be renewed if the annual report shows a new shareholder other than a husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. (iii) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, a person desiring to acquire a limited access, transferable permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper must obtain and exchange two such permits for one new permit. (iv) A transfer of a permit that is undertaken under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section will constitute a transfer of the vessel's entire catch history to the new owner. (2) Trip-limited permits. (c) Renewal. § 622.172 Wreckfish individual transferable quota (ITQ) system. The provisions of this section apply to wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ. (a) General Percentage shares Initial ITQ shares. (ii) Reverted ITQ shares. (iii) Percentage share set-aside to accommodate resolution of appeals. (iv) Procedure for appealing wreckfish quota share status and landings information. (2) Share transfers. (3) ITQ share cap. (b) List of wreckfish shareholders. (c) ITQs. (2) The RA will provide each wreckfish shareholder with ITQ coupons in various denominations, the total of which equals his or her ITQ, and a copy of the calculations used in determining his or her ITQ. Each coupon will be coded to indicate the initial recipient. (3) An ITQ coupon may be transferred from one wreckfish shareholder to another by completing the sale endorsement thereon (that is, the signature and shareholder certificate number of the buyer). An ITQ coupon may be possessed only by the shareholder to whom it has been issued, or by the shareholder's employee, contractor, or agent, unless the ITQ coupon has been transferred to another shareholder. An ITQ coupon that has been transferred to another shareholder may be possessed only by the shareholder whose signature appears on the coupon as the buyer, or by the shareholder's employee, contractor, or agent, and with all required sale endorsements properly completed. (4) Wreckfish may not be possessed on board a fishing vessel that has been issued a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish— (i) In an amount exceeding the total of the ITQ coupons on board the vessel; or (ii) That does not have on board logbook forms for that fishing trip, as required under § 622.176(a)(3)(i). (5) Prior to termination of a trip, a signature and date signed must be affixed in ink to the “Fisherman” part of ITQ coupons in denominations equal to the eviscerated weight of the wreckfish on board. The “Fisherman” part of each such coupon must be separated from the coupon and submitted with the logbook forms required by § 622.176(a)(3)(i) for that fishing trip. (6) The “Fish House” part of each such coupon must be given to the dealer to whom the wreckfish are transferred in amounts totaling the eviscerated weight of the wreckfish transferred to that dealer. Wreckfish may be transferred only to a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit holder, as required under § 622.170(c)(1). (7) A dealer may first receive wreckfish only from a vessel for which a commercial permit for wreckfish has been issued, as required under § 622.170(a)(2). A dealer must receive the “Fish House” part of ITQ coupons in amounts totaling the eviscerated weight of the wreckfish received; enter the permit number of the vessel from which the wreckfish were received, enter the date the wreckfish were received, enter the dealer's permit number, and sign each such “Fish House” part; and submit all such parts with the electronic dealer reports required by § 622.5(c). (8) An owner or operator of a vessel and a dealer must make available to an authorized officer all ITQ coupons in his or her possession upon request. (d) Wreckfish limitations. (2) A wreckfish possessed by a fisherman or dealer shoreward of the outer boundary of the South Atlantic EEZ or in a South Atlantic coastal state will be presumed to have been harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ unless accompanied by documentation that it was harvested from other than the South Atlantic EEZ. (3) A wreckfish harvested by a vessel that has been issued a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish may be offloaded from a fishing vessel only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., local time. (4) If a wreckfish harvested by a vessel that has been issued a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish is to be offloaded at a location other than a fixed facility of a dealer who holds a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.170(c)(1), the wreckfish shareholder or the vessel operator must advise the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-824-5344), of the location not less than 24 hours prior to offloading. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014] §§ 622.173-622.175 [Reserved] § 622.176 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators General reporting requirements. (2) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. (3) Wreckfish reporting. (i) Maintain a fishing record on a form available from the SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. (ii) Make available to an authorized officer upon request all records of commercial offloadings, purchases, or sales of wreckfish. (4) Reporting deadlines. (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators General reporting requirement Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (iii) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. (2) Reporting deadlines for charter vessels and headboats. (ii) Completed fishing reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for charter vessels or headboats may be required weekly or daily, as directed by the SRD. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (3) Catastrophic conditions. Federal Register, (4) Compliance requirement. (5) Hardware and software requirements for electronic reporting. (c) Dealers. (2) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.170(c)(1), must make available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, purchases, or sales of South Atlantic snapper-grouper (including wreckfish). (d) Private recreational vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. (1) Maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD. Completed fishing records must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be made available to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of each month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (2) Participate in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or video monitoring reporting program as directed by the SRD. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020] § 622.177 Gear identification. (a) Sea bass pots and associated buoys Sea bass pots. (2) Associated buoys. (3) Presumption of ownership. (4) Unmarked sea bass pots or buoys. (b) [Reserved] § 622.178 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (2) Any other vessel that fishes for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage. (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.179 Conservation measures for protected resources. (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper commercial vessels and charter vessels/headboats Sea turtle conservation measures. (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and handling requirements specified in appendix F of this part. (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 m) or less must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support device, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in appendix F of this part. (iv) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater than 4 ft (1.2 m) must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support device, long-handled line clipper or cutter, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, a long-handled device to pull an inverted “V” in the fishing line, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in appendix F of this part. (2) Smalltooth sawfish conservation measures. (i) Keep the sawfish in the water at all times; (ii) If it can be done safely, untangle the line if it is wrapped around the saw; (iii) Cut the line as close to the hook as possible; and (iv) Not handle the animal or attempt to remove any hooks on the saw, except with a long-handled dehooker. (b) Incorporation by reference. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols, fedreg.legal@nara.gov www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (1) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149. (i) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (i) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019. (ii) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019] § 622.180 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Poisons. (b) Rebreathers and spearfishing gear. prima facie (c) Longlines for wreckfish. § 622.181 Prohibited and limited-harvest species. (a) General. (b) Prohibited species. (2) [Reserved] (3) Speckled hind and warsaw grouper. i.e., (4) Nassau grouper may not be harvested or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ or the Gulf EEZ. Nassau grouper taken in the South Atlantic EEZ or the Gulf EEZ incidentally by hook-and-line must be released immediately by cutting the line without removing the fish from the water. (c) Limited-harvest species. (1) Cubera snapper. (2) Red snapper. i.e., [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44464, July 24, 2013; 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 83 FR 35434, July 26, 2018] § 622.182 Gear-restricted areas. (a) Special management zones (SMZs). (i) Paradise Reef (ii) Ten Mile Reef (iii) Pawleys Island Reef (iv) Georgetown Reef (v) Capers Reef (vi) Kiawah Reef (vii) Edisto Offshore Reef (viii) Hunting Island Reef (ix) Fripp Island Reef (x) Betsy Ross Reef (xi) Hilton Head Reef/Artificial Reef—T (xii) Artificial Reef—A (xiii) Artificial Reef—C (xiv) Artificial Reef—G (xv) Artificial Reef—F (xvi) Artificial Reef—J (xvii) Artificial Reef—L (xviii) Artificial Reef—KC (xix) Ft. Pierce Inshore Reef (xx) Ft. Pierce Offshore Reef Point North lat. West long. A 27°23.68′ 80°03.95′ B 27°22.80′ 80°03.60′ C 27°23.94′ 80°00.02′ D 27°24.85′ 80°00.33′ A 27°23.68′ 80°03.95′ (xxi) Key Biscayne/Artificial Reef—H (xxii) Little River Offshore Reef (xxiii) BP-25 Reef (xxiv) Vermilion Reef (xxv) Cape Romaine Reef (xxvi) Y-73 Reef (xxvii) Eagles Nest Reef (xxviii) Bill Perry Jr. Reef (xxix) Comanche Reef (xxx) Murrel's Inlet 60 Foot Reef (xxxi) Georgetown 95 Foot Reef (xxxii) New Georgetown 60 Foot Reef (xxxiii) North Inlet 45 Foot Reef (xxxiv) CJ Davidson Reef (xxxv) Greenville Reef (xxxvi) Charleston 60 Foot Reef (xxxvii) Edisto 60 Foot Reef (xxxviii) Edisto 40 Foot Reef (xxxix) Beaufort 45 Foot Reef (xl) Artificial Reef—ALT (xli) Artificial Reef—CAT (xlii) Artificial Reef—CCA (xliii) Artificial Reef—DRH (xliv) Artificial Reef—DUA (xlv) Artificial Reef—DW (xlvi) Artificial Reef—KBY (xlvii) Artificial Reef—KTK (xlviii) Artificial Reef—MRY (xlix) Artificial Reef—SAV (l) Artificial Reef—SFC (li) Artificial Reef—WW (2) To determine what restrictions apply in the SMZs listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, follow this table: Table 2 to Paragraph ( a In SMZs specified in the following paragraphs of this section These restrictions apply (a)(1)(i) through (x) and (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix) Use of a powerhead to take South Atlantic snapper-grouper is prohibited. (a)(1)(i) through (x) and (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix) Possession of a powerhead and a mutilated South Atlantic snapper-grouper in, or after having fished in, one of these SMZs constitutes prima facie (a)(1)(i) through (xviii) and (a)(1)(xxii) through (li) Fishing may only be conducted with handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing gear. (a)(1)(i) through (li) Use of a sea bass pot or bottom longline is prohibited. (a)(1)(xii) through (xviii) and (a)(1)(xl) through (li) Possession of South Atlantic snapper-grouper taken with a powerhead is limited to the bag limits specified in § 622.187(b). (a)(1)(xix) and (a)(1)(xx) A hydraulic or electric reel that is permanently affixed to the vessel is prohibited when fishing for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (a)(1)(xix) and (a)(1)(xxi) Use of spearfishing gear is prohibited. (b) Longline prohibited areas. (c) [Reserved] (d) Sea bass pot prohibited area. (d) [Reserved] (e) SMZs off North Carolina. (2) Harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper while in the SMZs in this paragraph (e) is permitted only by handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing gear. All harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper by spearfishing gear in the SMZs in this paragraph (e) is limited to the applicable recreational bag and possession limits in § 622.187. Table 3 to Paragraph ( e Reef name North lat. West long. Radius in ft AR-130 36°00.296′ 75°31.957′ 1,500 (457) AR-140 35°56.718′ 75°31.965′ 1,500 (457) AR-145 35°54.017′ 75°23.883′ 1,500 (457) AR-220 35°08.117′ 75°40.633′ 3,000 (914) AR-225 35°06.768′ 75°39.322′ 1,500 (457) AR-230 35°06.133′ 75°42.933′ 1,500 (457) AR-250 34°56.900′ 75°54.860′ 1,500 (457) AR-255 34°55.483′ 75°57.910′ 1,500 (457) AR-285 34°33.383′ 76°26.350′ 1,500 (457) AR-300 34°18.517′ 76°24.133′ 1,500 (457) AR-302 34°10.265′ 76°13.703′ 1,500 (457) AR-305 34°16.683′ 76°38.650′ 1,500 (457) AR-330 34°33.634′ 76°51.267′ 3,000 (914) AR-340 34°34.319′ 76°58.345′ 1,500 (457) AR-345 34°32.266′ 76°58.508′ 1,500 (457) AR-355 34°21.318′ 77°19.877′ 1,500 (457) AR-362 34°15.657′ 77°30.392′ 1,500 (457) AR-366 34°12.950′ 77°25.250′ 1,500 (457) AR-368 34°09.514′ 77°25.782′ 1,500 (457) AR-372 34°06.295′ 77°44.917′ 1,500 (457) AR-376 34°03.283′ 77°39.633′ 1,500 (457) AR-382 33°58.581′ 77°41.172′ 1,500 (457) AR-386 33°57.517′ 77°33.400′ 1,500 (457) AR-400 33°29.267′ 77°35.227′ 1,500 (457) AR-420 33°51.050′ 78°06.710′ 1,500 (457) AR-440 33°49.800′ 78°13.083′ 1,500 (457) AR-445 33°44.783′ 78°14.100′ 1,500 (457) AR-455 33°47.033′ 78°17.883′ 1,500 (457) AR-460 33°50.089′ 78°22.022′ 1,500 (457) AR-465 33°23.423′ 78°11.052′ 1,500 (457) (f) Additional SMZs off South Carolina. (2) Harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper while in the SMZs in this paragraph (f) is permitted only by handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing gear (excludes a powerhead). All harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper by the allowable gear in the SMZs in this paragraph (f) is limited to the applicable recreational bag and possession limits in § 622.187. (3) PA-04—Ron McManus Memorial Reef. Table 4 to Paragraph ( f Reef name North lat. West long. Radius in ft PA-07 Pop Nash 33°34.510′ 78°51.000′ 600 (183) PA-28 Lowcountry Anglers 32°34.300′ 79°55.100′ 600 (183) PA-34 CCA-McClellanville 32°51.800′ 79°22.500′ 600 (183) [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 36171, June 15, 2020; 87 FR 23149, Apr. 19, 2022] § 622.183 Area and seasonal closures. (a) Area closures Marine protected areas (MPAs). (A) Snowy Grouper Wreck MPA Point North lat. West long. A 33°25′ 77°04.75′ B 33°34.75′ 76°51.3′ C 33°25.5′ 76°46.5′ D 33°15.75′ 77°00.0′ A 33°25′ 77°04.75′ (B) Northern South Carolina MPA (C) Edisto MPA (D) Charleston Deep Artificial Reef MPA Point North lat. West long. A 32°05.04′ 79°13.575′ B 32°09.65′ 79°09.2′ C 32°07.155′ 79°05.595′ D 32°02.36′ 79°09.975′ A 32°05.04′ 79°13.575′ (E) Georgia MPA Point North lat. West long. A 31°43′ 79°31′ B 31°43′ 79°21′ C 31°34′ 79°29′ D 31°34′ 79°39′ A 31°43′ 79°31′ (F) North Florida MPA (G) St. Lucie Hump MPA (H) East Hump MPA Point North lat. West long. A 24°36.5′ 80°45.5′ B 24°32′ 80°36′ C 24°27.5′ 80°38.5′ D 24°32.5′ 80°48′ A 24°36.5′ 80°45.5′ (ii) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, transit means direct, non-stop progression through the MPA. Fishing gear appropriately stowed means— (A) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (B) A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from such net and must be secured. (C) A gillnet, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck. (D) Terminal gear ( i.e., (E) A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (2) Spawning SMZs. (ii) South Cape Lookout Spawning SMZ Point North lat. West long. A 33°53.040′ 76°28.617′ B 33°52.019′ 76°27.798′ C 33°49.946′ 76°30.627′ D 33°51.041′ 76°31.424′ A 33°53.040′ 76°28.617′ (iii) Devil's Hole/Georgetown Hole Spawning SMZ Point North lat. West long. A 32°34.311′ 78°34.996′ B 32°34.311′ 78°33.220′ C 32°32.748′ 78°33.220′ D 32°32.748′ 78°34.996′ A 32°34.311′ 78°34.996′ (iv) Area 51 Spawning SMZ Point North lat. West long. A 32°35.25′ 79°28.6′ B 32°35.25′ 79°27′ C 32°33.75′ 79°27′ D 32°33.75′ 79°28.6′ A 32°35.25′ 79°28.6′ (v) Area 53 Spawning SMZ Point North lat. West long. A 32°22.65′ 79°22.25′ B 32°22.65′ 79°20.5′ C 32°21.15′ 79°20.5′ D 32°21.15′ 79°22.25′ A 32°22.65′ 79°22.25′ (vi) Warsaw Hole/50 Fathom Hole Spawning SMZ Point North lat. West long. A 24°22.277′ 82°20.417′ B 24°22.277′ 82°18.215′ C 24°20.932′ 82°18.215′ D 24°20.932′ 82°20.417′ A 24°22.277′ 82°20.417′ (vii) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, transit means direct, non-stop progression through the spawning SMZ. Fishing gear appropriately stowed means— (A) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (B) Trawl doors and nets must be out of the water, but the doors are not required to be on deck or secured on or below deck. (C) A gillnet, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck. (D) Terminal gear ( i.e., (E) A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck. (b) Seasonal closures Seasonal closure of the commercial and recreational sectors for gag and associated grouper species. i.e., (2) Wreckfish spawning-season closure. (3) Wreckfish recreational sector closures. (4) Hogfish recreational sector off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida. From January through April and from November through December each year, the recreational harvest or possession of hogfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida is prohibited, and the bag and possession limits are zero. (5) Closures of the commercial and recreational sectors for red snapper i.e., Federal Register. Federal Register. (ii) If the RA determines tropical storm or hurricane conditions exist, or are projected to exist, in the South Atlantic, during a commercial or recreational fishing season, the RA may modify the opening and closing dates of the fishing season by filing a notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register, and announcing via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the dates of the red snapper commercial or recreational fishing season. (6) Seasonal closure of the commercial black sea bass pot component of the snapper-grouper fishery. (i) From November 1 through November 30 and from April 1 through April 30, no person may harvest or possess black sea bass in or from the closed area within the South Atlantic EEZ either with sea bass pots or from a vessel with sea bass pots on board in the South Atlantic EEZ inshore of the rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. 1 35°15′ State/EEZ boundary. 2 35°15′ 75°09′. 3 35°06′ 75°22′. 4 35°06′ 75°39′. 5 35°01′ 75°47′. 6 34°54′ 75°46′. 7 34°52′ 76°04′. 8 34°33′ 76°22′. 9 34°23′ 76°18′. 10 34°21′ 76°27′. 11 34°25′ 76°51′. 12 34°09′ 77°19′. 13 33°44′ 77°38′. 14 33°25′ 77°27′. 15 33°22′ 77°40′. 16 33°28′ 77°41′. 17 33°32′ 77°53′. 18 33°22′ 78°26′. 19 33°06′ 78°31′. 20 33°05′ 78°40′. 21 33°01′ 78°43′. 22 32°56′ 78°57′. 23 32°44′ 79°04′. 24 32°42′ 79°13′. 25 32°34′ 79°23′. 26 32°25′ 79°25′. 27 32°23′ 79°37′. 28 31°53′ 80°09′. 29 31°31′ 80°33′. 30 30°43′ 80°49′. 31 30°30′ 81°01′. 32 29°45′ 81°01′. 33 29°31′ 80°58′. 34 29°13′ 80°52′. 35 29°13′ State/EEZ boundary. (ii) From December 1 through March 31, no person may harvest or possess black sea bass in or from the closed area within the South Atlantic EEZ either with sea bass pots or from a vessel with sea bass pots on board in the South Atlantic EEZ inshore of the rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. 1 35°15′ State/EEZ boundary. 2 35°15′ 75°08′. 3 34°58′ 75°41′. 4 34°49′ 75°50′. 5 34°47′ 76°05′. 6 34°31′ 76°18′. 7 34°20′ 76°13′. 8 34°12′ 77°00′. 9 33°43′ 77°30′. 10 33°21′ 77°21′. 11 33°18′ 77°41′. 12 33°22′ 77°56′. 13 33°12′ 78°20′. 14 33°05′ 78°22′. 15 33°01′ 78°38′. 16 32°40′ 79°01′. 17 32°36′ 79°18′. 18 32°19′ 79°22′. 19 32°16′ 79°37′. 20 32°03′ 79°48′. 21 31°39′ 80°27′. 22 30°58′ 80°47′. 23 30°13′ 81°01′. 24 29°32′ 80°39′. 25 29°22′ 80°44′. 26 28°50′ 80°22′. 27 28°21′ 80°18′. 28 28°21′ State/EEZ boundary. (iii) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(6) of this section, transit means non-stop progression through the area; fishing gear appropriately stowed means all black sea bass pot gear must be out of the water and on board the deck of the vessel. All buoys must either be disconnected from the gear or stowed within the sea bass pot. Disconnected buoys may remain on deck. (7) Blueline tilefish recreational sector closure. (8) Snowy grouper recreational sector closure. (9) Red porgy recreational sector closure. (10) Greater amberjack spawning season closure. i.e., (11) Golden tilefish commercial longline component. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44464, July 24, 2013; 78 FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 78 FR 49184, Aug. 13, 2013; 78 FR 58253, Sept. 23, 2013; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 43038, July 21, 2015; 81 FR 95902, Dec. 29, 2016; 82 FR 29775, June 30, 2017; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 6827, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 FR 64980, Oct. 14, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022; 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023; 88 FR 76701, Nov. 7, 2023; 88 FR 83868, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 50534, June 14, 2024] § 622.184 [Reserved] § 622.185 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. (a) Snapper (2) Vermilion snapper (3) Cubera, gray, and yellowtail snappers (4) Mutton snapper (5) Lane snapper (b) Grouper Red, yellowfin, and yellowmouth grouper; and scamp (2) Black grouper and gag (c) Other snapper-grouper species Black sea bass. (i) For a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.187(b)(7)—13 inches (33 cm), TL. (ii) For a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.187(b)(7)—11 inches (28 cm), TL. (2) Gray triggerfish (3) Hogfish. (ii) In the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida—16 inches (40.6 cm), fork length. (4) Red porgy (5) Greater amberjack (6) Almaco jack. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 80 FR 30952, June 1, 2015; 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 85 FR 4594, Jan. 27, 2020; 85 FR 11309, Feb. 27, 2020; 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023] § 622.186 Landing fish intact. (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ must be maintained with head and fins intact, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and scaled, but must otherwise be maintained in a whole condition. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. (b) In the South Atlantic EEZ, snapper-grouper lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters are exempt from the requirement that they be maintained with head and fins intact, provided that the skin remains intact on the entire fillet of any snapper-grouper carcasses, valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits are on board the vessel, each person on the vessel has a valid government passport with current stamps and dates from The Bahamas, and the vessel is in transit through the South Atlantic EEZ with fishing gear appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this paragraph, a vessel is in transit through the South Atlantic EEZ when it is on a direct and continuous course through the South Atlantic EEZ and no one aboard the vessel fishes in the EEZ. For the purpose of this paragraph, fishing gear appropriately stowed means that terminal gear ( i.e., [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 80688, Dec. 28, 2015] § 622.187 Bag and possession limits. (a) Additional applicability provisions for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (1) The bag and other limits specified in § 622.182(b) apply for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the EEZ to a person aboard a vessel for which a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued that has on board a longline in the longline closed area. (2) A person aboard a vessel for which a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued must comply with the bag limits specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section for South Atlantic snapper-grouper taken with a powerhead, regardless of where taken, when such snapper-grouper are possessed in an SMZ specified in § 622.182(a)(1)(xii) through (a)(1)(xviii) or (a)(1)(xl) through (a)(1)(li). (3) In the South Atlantic EEZ, a vessel that lawfully harvests snapper-grouper in Bahamian waters, as per § 622.186 (b), must comply with the bag and possession limits specified in this section. For determining how many snapper-grouper are on board a vessel in fillet form when harvested lawfully in Bahamian waters, two fillets of snapper-grouper, regardless of the length of each fillet, is equivalent to one snapper-grouper. The skin must remain intact on the entire fillet of any snapper-grouper carcass. (b) Bag limits Greater amberjack (2) Grouper and tilefish, combined (i) No more than one fish may be gag or black grouper, combined. However, no gag or black grouper may be retained by the captain or crew of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat. The bag limit for such captain and crew is zero; (A) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph (b)(2)(i), for gag, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a private recreational vessel may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per day. (B) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph (b)(2)(i), for gag, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per trip. (C) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph (b)(2)(i), for black grouper, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a private recreational vessel may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per day. (D) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph (b)(2)(i), for black grouper, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per trip. (ii) No more than one fish per vessel may be a snowy grouper; (iii) No more than one fish may be a golden tilefish; (iv) No more than two fish may be blueline tilefish. However, no blueline tilefish may be retained by the captain or crew of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat. The bag limit for such captain and crew is zero; and (v) No more than one fish may be a scamp or a yellowmouth grouper, combined. (vi) No goliath grouper or Nassau grouper may be retained. (3) Hogfish. (ii) In the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida—1. (4) Snappers, combined (i) Within the 10-fish bag limit, no more than 5 fish may be mutton snapper. (ii) Excluded from this 10-fish bag limit are cubera snapper, measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm), TL, or larger, in the South Atlantic off Florida, and red snapper and vermilion snapper. (See § 622.181(b)(2) for the prohibitions on harvest or possession of red snapper, except during a limited recreational fishing season, and § 622.181(c)(1) for limitations on cubera snapper measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm), TL, or larger, in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida.) (5) Vermilion snapper (6) Red porgy. (7) Black sea bass—7. (8) South Atlantic snapper-grouper (whitebone porgy, jolthead porgy, knobbed porgy, saucereye porgy, scup, almaco jack, banded rudderfish, lesser amberjack, white grunt, margate, sailor's choice, Atlantic spadefish, gray triggerfish, bar jack), combined (9) Red snapper (10) No more than one fish per vessel may be a wreckfish. (11) Longline bag limits. (c) Possession limits. (i) A person aboard a charter vessel or headboat on a trip that spans more than 24 hours may possess no more than two daily bag limits of species other than red porgy. (ii) A person aboard a headboat on a trip that spans more than 48 hours and who can document that fishing was conducted on at least 3 days may possess no more than three daily bag limits of species other than red porgy. (2) A person aboard a vessel may not possess red porgy in or from the EEZ in excess of one per day or one per trip, whichever is more restrictive. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 80688, Dec. 28, 2015; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 2016; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 11309, Feb. 27, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022; 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023; 88 FR 76701, Nov. 7, 2023; 91 FR 8386, Feb. 23, 2026; 91 FR 33672, June 4, 2026] § 622.188 Required gear, authorized gear, and unauthorized gear. (a) Required gear. (1) Dehooking device. (2) Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks. (3) Non-stainless steel hooks. (4) Descending device. (b) Authorized gear. (c) Unauthorized gear. (1) A vessel with trawl gear on board that fishes in the EEZ on a trip may possess no more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish, in or from the EEZ on that trip. It is a rebuttable presumption that a vessel with more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish, on board harvested such fish in the EEZ. (2) Except as specified in paragraphs (d) through (f) of this section, a person aboard a vessel with unauthorized gear on board, other than trawl gear, that fishes in the EEZ on a trip is limited on that trip to: (i) South Atlantic snapper-grouper species for which a bag limit is specified in § 622.187—the bag limit. (ii) All other South Atlantic snapper-grouper—zero. (3) South Atlantic snapper-grouper on board a vessel with unauthorized gear on board may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such snapper-grouper may not be transferred in the EEZ. (4) No vessel may receive at sea any South Atlantic snapper-grouper from a vessel with unauthorized gear on board, as specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. (d) Possession allowance regarding sink nets off North Carolina. (e) Possession allowance regarding bait nets. (f) Possession allowance regarding cast nets. (g) Longline species limitation. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 85 FR 36171, June 15, 2020; 90 FR 47987, Oct. 3, 2025] § 622.189 Restrictions and requirements for sea bass pots. (a) Tending restriction. (b) Configuration restriction. (c) Requirement for escape mechanisms. (i) On at least one side, excluding top and bottom, a panel or door with an opening equal to or larger than the interior end of the trap's throat (funnel). The hinges and fasteners of each panel or door must be made of one of the following degradable materials: (A) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 0.041 inches (1.0 mm), that is, 19 gauge wire. (B) Galvanic timed-release mechanisms with a letter grade designation (degradability index) no higher than J. (ii) An unobstructed escape vent opening on at least two opposite vertical sides, excluding top and bottom. The minimum dimensions of an escape vent opening (based on inside measurement) are: (A) 1 1/8 3/4 (B) 1.75 by 1.75 inches (4.5 by 4.5 cm) for a square vent. (C) 2.0-inch (5.1-cm) diameter for a round vent. (2) [Reserved] (d) Construction requirements and mesh sizes. (i) For sides of the pot other than the back panel: (A) Hexagonal mesh (chicken wire)—at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between the wrapped sides; (B) Square mesh—at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between sides; or (C) Rectangular mesh—at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the longer sides and 2 inches (5.1 cm) between the shorter sides. (ii) For the entire back panel, i.e., (2) [Reserved] (e) Requirements for pot removal. (2) A sea bass pot must be removed from the water in the South Atlantic EEZ when the applicable quota specified in § 622.190(a)(5) is reached. After a closure is in effect, a black sea bass may not be retained by a vessel that has a sea bass pot on board. (f) Restriction on number of pots. (g) Sea bass pot buoy line marking requirement. [81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016, as amended at 81 FR 95902, Dec. 29, 2016] § 622.190 Quotas. See § 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability and closure and reopening procedures. This section provides quotas and specific quota closure restrictions for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish. (1) Snowy grouper (A) 2023—73,330 lb (33,262 kg). (B) 2024—74,322 lb (33,712 kg). (C) 2025 and subsequent fishing years—75,312 lb (34,161 kg). (ii) From July 1 through December 31 each year. (A) 2023—31,427 lb (14,255 kg). (B) 2024—31,852 lb (14,448 kg). (C) 2025 and subsequent fishing years—32,277 lb (14,641 kg). (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (2) Golden tilefish Commercial sector hook-and-line and longline components combined (B) For the 2024 fishing year—433,216 lb (196,503 kg). (C) For the 2025 fishing year—442,886 lb (200,890 kg). (D) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years—450,622 lb (204,399 kg). (ii) Hook-and-line component. (B) For the 2024 fishing year—108,304 lb (49,126 kg). (C) For the 2025 fishing year—110,722 lb (50,223 kg). (D) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years—112,656 lb (51,100 kg). (iii) Longline component. (B) For the 2024 fishing year—324,912 lb (147,378 kg). (C) For the 2025 fishing year—332,165 lb (150,668 kg). (D) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years—337,967 lb (153,299 kg). (3) Greater amberjack (A) For the 2023-2024 fishing year, 652,817 lb (296,113 kg). (B) For the 2024-2025 fishing year, 569,019 lb (258,103 kg). (C) For the 2025-2026 fishing year, 544,990 lb (247,203 kg). (D) For the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years, 538,933 lb (244,456 kg). (ii) For the period of September 1 through the end of February each year. (A) For the 2023-2024 fishing year, 435,212 lb (197,409 kg). (B) For the 2024-2025 fishing year, 379,346 lb (172,068 kg). (C) For the 2025-2026 fishing year, 363,327 lb (164,802 kg). (D) For the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years, 359,288 lb (162,970 kg). (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (4) Vermilion snapper. (A) For the 2019 fishing year—483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight. (B) For the 2020 fishing year—452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight. (C) For the 2021 fishing year—431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight. (D) For the 2022 fishing year—417,189 lb (189,234 kg), gutted weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight. (E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years—409,225 lb (185,621 kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight. (ii) For the period July through December each year. (A) For the 2019 fishing year—483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight. (B) For the 2020 fishing year—452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight. (C) For the 2021 fishing year—431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight. (D) For the 2022 fishing year—417,189 lb (417,189 kg), gutted weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight. (E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years—409,225 lb (185,621 kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight. (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (5) Black sea bass. (ii) For the 2020 fishing year—243,788 lb (110,580 kg), gutted weight; 287,670 lb (130,485 kg), round weight. (iii) For the 2021 fishing year and subsequent fishing years—234,314 lb (106,283 kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb (125,414 kg), round weight. (6) Red porgy (A) For the 2022 fishing year—11,127 lb (5,047 kg). (B) For the 2023 fishing year—12,017 lb (5,451 kg). (C) For the 2024 fishing year—12,907 lb (5,855 kg). (D) For the 2025 fishing year—13,500 lb (6,123 kg). (E) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years—14,094 lb (6,393 kg). (ii) For the period May 1 through December 31 each year. (A) For the 2022 fishing year—25,962 lb (11,776 kg). (B) For the 2023 fishing year—28,039 lb (12,718 kg). (C) For the 2024 fishing year—30,116 lb (13,660 kg). (D) For the 2025 fishing year—31,501 lb (14,289 kg). (E) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years—32,886 lb (14,917 kg). (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (7) Gag. (ii) For the 2024 fishing year—128,096 lb (58,103 kg). (iii) For the 2025 fishing year—171,687 lb (77,876 kg). (iv) For the 2026 fishing year—215,051 lb (97,545 kg). (v) For the 2027 fishing year—259,823 lb (117,854 kg). (vi) For the 2028 fishing year—306,400 lb (138,981 kg). (vii) For the 2029 fishing year—353,220 lb (160,218 kg). (viii) For the 2030 fishing year—397,555 lb (180,328 kg). (ix) For the 2031 fishing year—437,390 lb (198,397 kg). (x) For the 2032 and subsequent fishing years—471,966 lb (214,080 kg). (8) Gray triggerfish. (ii) For the period July through December each year—156,162 lb (70,834 kg), round weight. (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(8)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(8)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (b) Wreckfish. (i) For the 2015 fishing year—411,350 lb (186,585 kg). (ii) For the 2016 fishing year—402,515 (182,578 kg). (iii) For the 2017 fishing year—393,490 lb (178,484 kg). (iv) For the 2018 fishing year—385,985 lb (175,080 kg). (v) For the 2019 fishing year—376,960 lb (170,986 kg). (vi) For the 2020 and subsequent fishing years—369,645 lb (167,668 kg). (2) [Reserved] (c) Restrictions applicable after a commercial quota closure South Atlantic gag, greater amberjack, snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, red porgy, wreckfish, and gray triggerfish. (ii) The bag and possession limits for the applicable species and the prohibition on sale/purchase apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., (2) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 78 FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 78 FR 49195, Aug. 13, 2013]; 78 FR 58253, Sept. 23, 2013; 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 2014; 80 FR 30953, June 1, 2015; 80 FR 43038, July 21, 2015; 80 FR 48278, Aug. 12, 2015; 81 FR 3738, Jan. 22, 2016; 83 FR 62512, Dec. 4, 2018; 83 FR 14024, Apr. 9, 2019; 85 FR 4594, Jan. 27, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022; 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023; 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023; 88 FR 76701, Nov. 7, 2023; 88 FR 83869, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 277, Jan. 3, 2024] § 622.191 Commercial trip limits. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all weights are round or eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise): (a) When a vessel fishes on a trip in the South Atlantic EEZ, the vessel trip limits specified in this paragraph (a) apply, provided persons aboard the vessel are not subject to the bag limits. See § 622.11 and § 622.187(a) for applicability of the bag limits. (1) Trip-limited permits. (2) Golden tilefish South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit holders, with a longline endorsement, using longline gear. (ii) South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit holders, without a longline endorsement, using hook-and-line gear. (iii) See § 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding golden tilefish after the applicable commercial quota is reached. (3) Snowy grouper. (4) Red porgy. (i) From January 1 through April 30—15 fish. (ii) From May 1 through December 31—15 fish. (5) Greater amberjack. (6) Vermilion snapper. (7) Gag. (8) Black sea bass— Hook-and-line component. (B) From May 1 through December 31, until the applicable quota specified in § 622.190(a)(5) is reached—1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight; 1,180 lb (535 kg), round weight. (ii) Sea bass pot component. (iii) See § 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding black sea bass after the applicable quota is reached. (9) Red snapper. (10) Blueline tilefish. (i) From January 1 through April 30—100 lb (45 kg), gutted weight; 106 lb (48 kg), round weight. (ii) From May 1 through December 31—300 lb (136 kg), gutted weight; 318 lb (144 kg), round weight. (11) Gray triggerfish. (12) Hogfish. (ii) Until the commercial ACL specified in § 622.193(u)(2)(iii)(A) is reached or is projected to be reached off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida, 25 lb (11 kg), round weight. (iii) See § 622.193(u)(1)(i) or (u)(2)(i) for the limitations regarding hogfish after a commercial ACL is reached. (13) Mutton snapper. (i) From January 1 through March 31, and July 1 through December 31—500 lb (227 kg), round weight. (ii) From April 1 through June 30—5 fish per person per day or 5 fish per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive. (14) Other jacks complex (lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish). (15) Red grouper. (16) Scamp and yellowmouth grouper, combined. (b) When a vessel fishes for hogfish on a trip in the Gulf EEZ south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida, the vessel trip limit specified in paragraph (a)(12)(ii) of this section applies, provided persons aboard are not subject to the bag limit. See § 622.11(a) and § 622.187(a) for applicability of the bag limit. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 78 FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 2014; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 30953, June 1, 2015; 80 FR 43038, July 21, 2015; 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 2016; 82 FR 11157, Feb. 21, 2017; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 4594, Jan. 27, 2020; 85 FR 6828, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 77748, Dec. 20, 2022; 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023; 88 FR 65823, Sept. 26, 2023; 89 FR 277, Jan. 3, 2024; 91 FR 33672, June 4, 2026] § 622.192 Restrictions on sale/purchase. The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions on sale/purchase related to quota closures as specified in § 622.190(c). (a) A South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or possessed in the EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, as required under § 622.170(a), or a South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in the EEZ and possessed under the bag limits specified in § 622.187(b), may not be sold or purchased. In addition, a South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or possessed by a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat with a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper may not be sold or purchased regardless of where harvested, i.e., (b) South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.170(c)(1). (c) South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.170(a), only from a vessel that has a valid commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (d) A warsaw grouper or speckled hind in or from the South Atlantic EEZ may not be sold or purchased. (e) No person may sell or purchase a snowy grouper, gag, golden tilefish, greater amberjack, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, or red porgy harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic, i.e., (f) [Reserved] (g) During April, no person may sell or purchase a greater amberjack harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic, i.e., (h) During January through April, no person may sell or purchase a gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, yellowmouth grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby, or coney harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested or possessed by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic, i.e., (i) The documentation supporting a dealer's purchase or sale of applicable species during the times specified in paragraphs (f) through (h) of this section must contain: (1) The information specified in part 300, subpart K, of this title for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce; (2) The official number, name, and home port of the vessel harvesting the applicable species; (3) The port and date of offloading from the vessel harvesting the applicable species; and (4) A statement signed by the dealer attesting that the applicable species was harvested from an area other than the South Atlantic. (j) No person may sell or purchase a red snapper harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic, i.e., (k) Snapper-grouper possessed pursuant to the bag and possession limits specified in § 622.187(a)(3) may not be sold or purchased. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015; 85 FR 6828, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 FR 73643, Nov. 19, 2020] § 622.193 Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Golden tilefish Commercial sector Hook-and-line component. (ii) Longline component. (iii) If all commercial landings of golden tilefish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL (including both the hook-and-line and longline component quotas) specified in § 622.190(a)(2)(i), and the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and golden tilefish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. Federal Register. (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. (b) Snowy grouper Commercial sector. (ii) If commercial landings of snowy grouper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is exceeded, and snowy grouper are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for snowy grouper exceed the recreational ACL specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, then during the following fishing year NMFS will reduce the length of the recreational fishing season by the amount necessary to prevent recreational landings from exceeding the recreational ACL in the following fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season is necessary. When the recreational sector for snowy grouper is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season, the bag and possession limits for snowy grouper harvested in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (3) Total ACL. (c) Gag Commercial sector. (ii) If the commercial landings for gag, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL specified in § 622.190(a)(7), and the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and gag are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, then during the following fishing year, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season by the amount necessary to prevent the recreational ACL from being exceeded. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season, the bag and possession limits for gag in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. (d) Red grouper Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If the commercial landings for red grouper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) The commercial ACL for red grouper is 61,160 lb (27,742 kg), round weight, for 2018; 66,000 lb (29,937 kg), round weight, for 2019; and 71,280 lb (32,332 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing years. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) The recreational ACL for red grouper is 77,840 lb (35,308 kg), round weight, for 2018; 84,000 lb (38,102 kg), round weight, for 2019; and 90,720 lb (41,150 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing years. (iii) If recreational landings for red grouper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for red grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (3) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for red grouper is 139,000 lb (63,049 kg), round weight, for 2018; 150,000 lb (68,039 kg), round weight, for 2019; and 162,000 lb (73,482 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing years. (e) Black sea bass Commercial sector. (ii) If commercial landings exceed the quota specified in § 622.190(a)(5), the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the ACL for that following year by the amount of the overage in the prior fishing year, unless the SRD determines that no overage is necessary based on the best scientific information available. (2) Recreational sector. Federal Register i.e. (f) Vermilion snapper Commercial sector. (2) Recreational sector. i.e., (ii) If the combined vermilion snapper commercial and recreational landings exceed the combined vermilion snapper ACLs specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2)(iv) of this section, and vermilion snapper are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the recreational ACL for that following year by the amount of the recreational overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. (iv) The recreational ACL for vermilion snapper is 455,207 lb (206,478 kg), gutted weight, 505,280 lb (229,191 kg), round weight, for the 2019 fishing year; 426,090 lb (193,271 kg), gutted weight, 472,960 lb (214,531 kg), round weight, for the 2020 fishing year; 405,910 lb (184,118 kg), gutted weight, 450,560 lb (204,552 kg), round weight, for the 2021 fishing year; 392,649 lb (178,103 kg), gutted weight, 435,840 lb (197,694 kg), round weight, for the 2022 fishing year; and 385,520 lb (174,869 kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920 kg), round weight, for the 2023 and subsequent fishing years. (g) Black grouper Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for black grouper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 262,594 lb (119,111 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for black grouper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if black grouper are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 262,594 lb (119,111 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for black grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (h) Deep-water complex (including yellowedge grouper, silk snapper, misty grouper, queen snapper, sand tilefish, and blackfin snapper) Commercial sector i.e., (ii) If commercial landings exceed the ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 169,896 lb (77,064 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the deep-water complex is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for the deep-water complex, exceed the applicable recreational ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 169,896 lb (77,064 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the deep-water complex is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season in the following fishing year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACL the following fishing year. When NMFS reduces the length of the following recreational fishing season and closes the recreational sector, the following closure provisions apply: The bag and possession limits for the deep-water complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. Additionally, the recreational ACL will be reduced by the amount of the recreational ACL overage in the prior fishing year. The fishing season and recreational ACL will not be reduced if the RA determines, using the best scientific information available that no reduction is necessary. (i) Scamp and yellowmouth grouper, combined Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for scamp and yellowmouth grouper, combined, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this section, and regardless of the stock status of either species and whether the total ACL specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this section is exceeded, then during the following fishing year, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this section by the amount of the commercial ACL overage. (2) Recreational sector. (3) Total ACL. (j) Other SASWG complex (including red hind, rock hind, yellowfin grouper, coney, and graysby) Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for other SASWG combined, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 100,151 lb (45,428 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in other SASWG combined is overfished based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for other SASWG combined, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in other SASWG combined is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 100,151 lb (45,428 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other SASWG combined in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (k) Greater amberjack Commercial sector. (ii) If commercial landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL as specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. The total commercial ACL is 1,088,029 lb (493,522 kg), gutted weight, for the 2023-2024 fishing year; 948,365 lb (430,171 kg), gutted weight, for the 2024-2025 fishing year; 908,317 lb (412,006 kg), gutted weight, for the 2025-2026 fishing year; and 898,221 lb (407,426 kg), gutted weight, for the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACLs. (l) Other jacks complex (including lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish, combined) Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for the other jacks complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 457,221 lb (207,392 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the other jacks complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for the other jacks complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in the other jacks complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 457,221 lb (207,392 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other jacks complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (m) Bar jack Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for bar jack, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 62,249 lb (28,236 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and bar jack are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for bar jack, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if bar jack are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 62,249 lb (28,236 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for bar jack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (n) Yellowtail snapper Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for yellowtail snapper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 3,037,500 lb (1,377,787 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and yellowtail snapper are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for yellowtail snapper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 3,037,500 lb (1,377,787 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for yellowtail snapper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (o) Mutton snapper Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for mutton snapper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph (o)(1)(iii) of this section, and the applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (o)(3) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) The commercial ACLs for the following fishing years are given in round weight. For 2017—100,015 lb (45,366 kg); for 2018—104,231 lb (47,278 kg); for 2019—107,981 lb (48,979 kg); for 2020 and subsequent fishing years—111,354 lb (50,509 kg). (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for mutton snapper, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable recreational ACL specified in paragraph (o)(2)(iii) of this section, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (o)(3) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for mutton snapper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (iii) The recreational ACLs for the following fishing years are given in numbers of fish. For 2017—116,127; for 2018—121,318; for 2019—124,766; for 2020 and subsequent fishing years—127,115. (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. (p) Other snappers complex (including cubera snapper, gray snapper, and lane snapper) Commercial sector i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for the other snappers complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 1,513,883 lb (686,686 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the other snappers complex is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector (ii) If recreational landings for the other snappers complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year, recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in the other snappers complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 1,513,883 lb (686,686 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and the ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other snappers complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (q) Gray triggerfish Commercial sector. (ii) If commercial landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 716,999 lb (325,225 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and gray triggerfish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if gray triggerfish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 716,999 lb (325,225 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for gray triggerfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (r) Wreckfish Commercial sector. (ii) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for wreckfish is 433,000 lb (196,405 kg), round weight, for 2015; 423,700 lb (192,187 kg), round weight, for 2016; 414,200 lb (187,878 kg), round weight, for 2017; 406,300 lb (184,295 kg), round weight, for 2018; 396,800 lb (179,985 kg), round weight, for 2019; and 389,100 lb (176,493 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing years. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for wreckfish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in § 622.193(r)(1)(ii) is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (iii) The recreational ACL for wreckfish is 21,650 lb (9,820 kg), round weight, for 2015; 21,185 lb (9,609 kg), round weight, for 2016; 20,710 lb (9,394 kg), round weight, for 2017; 20,315 lb (9,215 kg), round weight, for 2018; 19,840 lb (8,999 kg), round weight, for 2019; and 19,455 lb (8,825 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing years. (s) [Reserved] (t) Atlantic spadefish Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for Atlantic spadefish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 812,478 lb (368,534 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and Atlantic spadefish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for Atlantic spadefish, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if Atlantic spadefish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 812,478 lb (368,534 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for Atlantic spadefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (u) Hogfish Hogfish off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina (Georgia-North Carolina) Commercial sector. i.e., (B) If commercial landings for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL specified in paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(C) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for the stock in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (ii) Recreational sector. (B) If recreational landings for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(B) of this section, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings. If necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the following recreational fishing season and recreational ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the recreational ACL overage if the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL is exceeded during the same fishing year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACL in the following fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When a recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the following recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for hogfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are zero. (iii) ACLs for the Georgia-North Carolina stock. (A) Commercial ACL (B) Recreational ACL (C) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock is 33,930 lb (15,390 kg). (2) Hogfish off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida (Florida Keys-East Florida) Commercial sector. i.e., (B) If commercial landings for the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, and the applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(C) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the stock is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for the stock in the following fishing year by the amount of the applicable commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (ii) Recreational sector. (B) If recreational landings for the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(B) of this section, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings. If necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the following applicable recreational fishing season and recreational ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the recreational ACL overage if the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish stock is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and the applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL is exceeded during the same fishing year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACL in the following fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When a recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the following recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for hogfish in or from the EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and south of 25°09′ N. lat. off the west coast of Florida are zero. (iii) ACLs for the Florida Keys-East Florida stock. (A) Commercial ACL. Year Commercial ACL 2017 3,510 lb (1,592 kg). 2018 4,524 lb (2,052 kg). 2019 5,670 lb (2,572 kg). 2020 6,926 lb (3,142 kg). 2021 8,277 lb (3,754 kg). 2022 9,703 lb (4,401 kg). 2023 11,179 lb (5,071 kg). 2024 12,677 lb (5,750 kg). 2025 14,167 lb (6,426 kg). 2026 15,621 lb (7,086 kg). 2027 17,018 lb (7,719 kg). (B) Recreational ACL. Year Recreational ACL 2017 15,689 2018 18,617 2019 21,574 2020 25,086 2021 29,096 2022 33,358 2023 37,671 2024 41,934 2025 46,046 2026 49,949 2027 53,610 (C) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. Year Combined commercial and 2017 17,034 2018 20,350 2019 23,746 2020 27,740 2021 32,267 2022 37,076 2023 41,954 2024 46,791 2025 51,474 2026 55,934 2027 60,130 (v) Red porgy Commercial sector. (ii) If commercial landings for red porgy, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL as specified in paragraph (v)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and red porgy are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) The recreational ACL for red porgy is 35,026 lb (15,888 kg), gutted weight, for the 2022 fishing year; 37,829 lb (17,139 kg), gutted weight, for 2023 fishing year; 40,631 lb (18,430 kg), gutted weight, for the 2024 fishing year; 42,499 lb (19,277 kg), gutted weight, for the 2025 fishing year; and 44,367 lb (20,125 kg), gutted weight, for the 2026 and subsequent fishing years. (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACLs. (w) Other porgies complex (including jolthead porgy, knobbed porgy, whitebone porgy, scup, and saucereye porgy) Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for the other porgies complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 143,262 lb (64,983 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for the other porgies complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if one of the species in the complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 143,262 lb (64,983 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other porgies complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (x) Grunts complex (including white grunt, sailor's choice, tomtate, and margate) Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings for the grunts complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 836,025 lb (379,215 kg), round weight, and at least one of the species in the complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) If recreational landings for the grunts complex, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in the grunts complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 836,025 lb (379,215 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the grunts complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. (y) Red snapper Commercial sector. i.e., (2) Recreational sector. (z) Blueline tilefish Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) If commercial landings exceed the ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL (total ACL) specified in paragraph (z)(3) of this section, is exceeded, and blueline tilefish is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. Federal Register. (3) The combined commercial and recreational sector ACL (total ACL) is 233,968 lb (106,126 kg), round weight. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013] Editorial Note: For Federal Register www.govinfo.gov. § 622.194 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and wreckfish, or paragraph (b) of this section for sea turtles and other protected species. (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, target dates for rebuilding overfished species, maximum sustainable yield (or its proxy), optimum yield, acceptable biological catch, total allowable catch, quotas (including a quota of zero), annual catch limits, annual catch targets, accountability measures, maximum fishing mortality threshold, minimum stock size threshold, trip limits, bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), seasonal or area closures, fishing year, rebuilding plans, definitions of essential fish habitat (EFH), establishment of or modifications to EFH habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs) or coral HAPCs, restrictions on gear and fishing activities applicable in EFH and EFH HAPCs, establish or modify spawning SMZs, and allow transfer of the unharvested total or sector ACL to the following fishing year. (b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear and handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 82 FR 29776, June 30, 2017; 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019; 89 FR 276, Jan. 3, 2024] Subpart J—Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region § 622.200 Permits. (a) Commercial vessel permits South Atlantic penaeid shrimp. (2) South Atlantic rock shrimp. (ii) For a person aboard a vessel to fish for rock shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia or off Florida or possess rock shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off those states, a Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) must be issued to the vessel and must be on board. A Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) is a limited access permit. See § 622.201 for limitations on the issuance, transfer, or renewal of a Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ). (b) Operator permits. (2) A person required to have an operator permit under paragraph (b)(1) of this section must carry on board such permit and one other form of personal identification that includes a picture (driver's license, passport, etc.). (3) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted operator under paragraph (b)(1) of this section must ensure that at least one person with a valid operator permit is aboard while the vessel is at sea or offloading. (4) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted operator under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the operator of such vessel are responsible for ensuring that a person whose operator permit is suspended, revoked, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 904 is not aboard that vessel. (c) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (d) Permit procedures. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.201 South Atlantic rock shrimp limited access. (a) Commercial Vessel Permits for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ). (b) Transfer of an existing permit. (c) Renewal. (d) Limitation on permits. § 622.202 [Reserved] § 622.203 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators Reporting requirement. (2) Reporting deadline. (b) South Atlantic rock shrimp dealers. (2) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.200(c)(1), must make available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, purchases, or sales of rock shrimp. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.204 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.205 Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs). (a) VMS requirement for South Atlantic rock shrimp. (b) Installation and activation of a VMS. (1) Follow procedures indicated on a NMFS-approved installation and activation checklist for the applicable fishery, which is available from NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833; and (2) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a statement certifying compliance with the checklist, as prescribed on the checklist. (3) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a vendor-completed installation certification checklist, which is available from NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833. (c) Interference with the VMS. (d) Interruption of operation of the VMS. (e) Access to position data. § 622.206 Area and seasonal closures. (a) South Atlantic shrimp cold weather closure. (2) During a closure, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section— (i) No person may trawl for brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white shrimp in the closed portion of the EEZ (closed area); and no person may possess on board a fishing vessel brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white shrimp in or from a closed area, except as authorized in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. (ii) No person aboard a vessel trawling in that part of a closed area that is within 25 nm of the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured may use or have on board a trawl net with a mesh size less than 4 inches (10.2 cm), as measured between the centers of opposite knots when pulled taut. (iii) Brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white shrimp may be possessed on board a fishing vessel in a closed area, provided the vessel is in transit and that the shrimp fishing gear with trawl nets having a mesh size less than 4 inches (10.2 cm), as measured between the centers of opposite knots when pulled taut, is appropriately stowed. For the purposes of this paragraph (a), transit means a non-stop progression through a closed area and appropriately stowed means trawl doors out of the water and in the rack/cradle on deck, the nets must be out of the water and in the rigging and tied down, and any try net must be on deck. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 67310, Oct. 22, 2020] § 622.207 Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) requirements. (a) BRD requirement for South Atlantic shrimp. (1) Exemptions from BRD requirement Try net exemption. (ii) Roller trawl exemption. (iii) BRD certification testing exemption. (2) Procedures for certification and decertification of BRDs. (i) Pre-certification. (A) A person who wants to conduct pre-certification phase testing must submit an application to the RA, as specified in the “Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual.” The “Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual”, which is available from the RA, upon request, contains the application forms. (B) After reviewing the application, the RA will determine whether to issue a letter of authorization (LOA) to conduct pre-certification trials upon the vessel specified in the application. If the RA authorizes pre-certification, the RA's LOA must be on board the vessel during any trip involving the BRD testing. (ii) Certification. (iii) Provisional certification. i.e. Federal Register (iv) Decertification. (3) Certified and provisionally certified BRDs Certified BRDS. (A) Fisheye--see Appendix D to part 622 for separate specifications in the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ. (B) Gulf fisheye. (C) Jones-Davis. (D) Modified Jones-Davis. (E) Expanded mesh. (F) Extended funnel. (G) Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel. (H) Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel. (ii) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] § 622.208 Minimum mesh size applicable to rock shrimp off Georgia and Florida. (a) The minimum mesh size for the cod end of a rock shrimp trawl net in the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia and Florida is 1 7/8 (b) [Reserved] § 622.209 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) South Atlantic rock shrimp. (2) Rock shrimp harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic rock shrimp may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.200(c)(1). (3) Rock shrimp harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.200(c)(1), only from a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.210 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for South Atlantic shrimp. (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, BRD certification criteria, BRD specifications, BRD testing protocol, certified BRDs, nets required to use BRDs, times and locations when the use of BRDs is required, definitions of essential fish habitat, and essential fish habitat HAPCs or Coral HAPCs. (b) [Reserved] Subpart K—Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region § 622.220 Permits. See § 622.4 for information regarding general permit procedures including, but not limited to fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and replacement. (a) Required permits Allowable chemical. (2) Allowable octocoral. (3) Aquacultured live rock. (4) Prohibited coral. (5) Florida permits. (i) Landing in Florida fish or other marine organisms taken with an allowable chemical in a coral area. (ii) Landing allowable octocoral in Florida. (iii) Landing live rock in Florida. (b) Application. (2) An applicant must provide the following: (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information of the applicant. (ii) Name and address of any affiliated company, institution, or organization. (iii) Information concerning vessels, harvesting gear/methods, or fishing areas, as specified on the application form. (iv) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit. (v) If applying for an aquacultured live rock permit, identification of each vessel that will be depositing material on or harvesting aquacultured live rock from the proposed aquacultured live rock site, specification of the port of landing of aquacultured live rock, and a site evaluation report prepared pursuant to generally accepted industry standards that— (A) Provides accurate coordinates of the proposed harvesting site so that it can be located using LORAN or Global Positioning System equipment; (B) Shows the site on a chart in sufficient detail to determine its size and allow for site inspection; (C) Discusses possible hazards to safe navigation or hindrance to vessel traffic, traditional fishing operations, or other public access that may result from aquacultured live rock at the site; (D) Describes the naturally occurring bottom habitat at the site; and (E) Specifies the type and origin of material to be deposited on the site and how it will be distinguishable from the naturally occurring substrate. § 622.221 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Individuals with coral or live rock permits. (2) A person with a Federal aquacultured live rock permit must report to the RA each deposition of material on a site. Such reports must be postmarked not later than 7 days after deposition and must contain the following information: (i) Permit number of site and date of deposit. (ii) Geological origin of material deposited. (iii) Amount of material deposited. (iv) Source of material deposited, that is, where obtained, if removed from another habitat, or from whom purchased. (3) A person who takes aquacultured live rock must submit a report of harvest to the RA. Specific reporting requirements will be provided with the permit. This reporting requirement is waived for aquacultured live rock that is landed in Florida. (b) [Reserved] § 622.222 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Power-assisted tools. (b) [Reserved] § 622.223 Prohibited species. (a) General. (b) Prohibited coral. (c) Wild live rock. (d) Octocoral. § 622.224 Area closures to protect South Atlantic corals. (a) Allowable octocoral closed area. (b) Oculina Bank HAPC. Point North lat. West long. Origin 29°43′29.82″ 80°14′48.06″ 1 29°43′30″ 80°15′48.24″ 2 29°34′51.66″ 80°15′00.78″ 3 29°34′07.38″ 80°15′51.66″ 4 29°29′24.9″ 80°15′15.78″ 5 29°09′32.52″ 80°12′17.22″ 6 29°04′45.18″ 80°10′12″ 7 28°56′01.86″ 80°08′53.64″ 8 28°52′44.40″ 80°08′53.04″ 9 28°47′28.56″ 80°07′07.44″ 10 28°46′13.68″ 80°07′15.9″ 11 28°41′16.32″ 80°05′58.74″ 12 28°35′05.76″ 80°05′14.28″ 13 28°33′50.94″ 80°05′24.6″ 14 28°30′51.36″ 80°04′23.94″ 15 28°30′00″ 80°03′57.3″ 16 28°30′ 80°03′ 17 28°16′ 80°03′ 18 28°04′30″ 80°01′10.08″ 19 28°04′30″ 80°00′ 20 27°30′ 80°00′ 21 27°30′ 79°54″—Point corresponding with intersection with the 100-fathom (183-m) contour, as shown on the latest edition of NOAA chart 11460 Note: 22 28°30′00″ 79°56′56″— Point corresponding with intersection with the 100-fathom (183-m) contour, as shown on the latest edition of NOAA chart 11460 23 28°30′00″ 80°00′46.02″ 24 28°46′00.84″ 80°03′28.5″ 25 28°48′37.14″ 80°03′56.76″ 26 28°53′18.36″ 80°04′48.84″ 27 29°11′19.62″ 80°08′36.9″ 28 29°17′33.96″ 80°10′06.9″ 29 29°23′35.34″ 80°11′30.06″ 30 29°30′15.72″ 80°12′38.88″ 31 29°35′55.86″ 80°13′41.04″ Origin 29°43′29.82″ 80°14′55.27″ (i) In the Oculina Bank HAPC, no person may: (A) Use a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap. (B) If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain. (C) Fish for or possess rock shrimp in or from the Oculina Bank HAPC, except a shrimp vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp that possesses rock shrimp may transit through the Oculina Bank HAPC if fishing gear is appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this paragraph, transit means a direct and non-stop continuous course through the area, maintaining a minimum speed of five knots as determined by an operating VMS and a VMS minimum ping rate of 1 ping per 5 minutes; fishing gear appropriately stowed means that doors and nets are out of the water. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Experimental closed area. (c) Deepwater Coral HAPCs Locations. (i) Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks Point North lat. West long. Origin 34°24′37″ 75°45′11″ 1 34°10′26″ 75°58′44″ 2 34°05′47″ 75°54′54″ 3 34°21′02″ 75°41′25″ 4 34°23′28.998″ 75°43′58.002″ 5 34°27′00″ 75°41′45″ 6 34°27′54″ 75°42′45″ Origin 34°24′37″ 75°45′11″ (ii) Cape Fear Lophelia Banks Point North lat. West long. Origin 33°38′49″ 76°29′32″ 1 33°32′21″ 76°32′38″ 2 33°29′49″ 76°26′19″ 3 33°36′09″ 76°23′37″ Origin 33°38′49″ 76°29′32″ (iii) Stetson Reefs, Savannah and East Florida Lithoherms, and Miami Terrace (Stetson-Miami Terrace) (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. Origin at outer boundary of EEZ 79°00′00″ 1 31°23′37″ 79°00′00″ 2 31°23′37″ 77°16′21″ 3 32°38′37″ 77°16′21″ 4 32°38′21″ 77°34′06″ 5 32°35′24″ 77°37′54″ 6 32°32′18″ 77°40′26″ 7 32°28′42″ 77°44′10″ 8 32°25′51″ 77°47′43″ 9 32°22′40″ 77°52′05″ 10 32°20′58″ 77°56′29″ 11 32°20′30″ 77°57′50″ 12 32°19′53″ 78°00′49″ 13 32°18′44″ 78°04′35″ 14 32°17′35″ 78°07′48″ 15 32°17′15″ 78°10′41″ 16 32°15′50″ 78°14′09″ 17 32°15′20″ 78°15′25″ 18 32°12′15″ 78°16′37″ 19 32°10′26″ 78°18′09″ 20 32°04′42″ 78°21′27″ 21 32°03′41″ 78°24′07″ 22 32°04′58″ 78°29′19″ 23 32°06′59″ 78°30′48″ 24 32°09′27″ 78°31′31″ 25 32°11′23″ 78°32′47″ 26 32°13′09″ 78°34′04″ 27 32°14′08″ 78°34′36″ 28 32°12′48″ 78°36′34″ 29 32°13′07″ 78°39′07″ 30 32°14′17″ 78°40′01″ 31 32°16′20″ 78°40′18″ 32 32°16′33″ 78°42′32″ 33 32°14′26″ 78°43′23″ 34 32°11′14″ 78°45′42″ 35 32°10′19″ 78°49′08″ 36 32°09′42″ 78°52′54″ 37 32°08′15″ 78°56′11″ 38 32°05′00″ 79°00′30″ 39 32°01′54″ 79°02′49″ 40 31°58′40″ 79°04′51″ 41 31°56′32″ 79°06′48″ 42 31°53′27″ 79°09′18″ 43 31°50′56″ 79°11′29″ 44 31°49′07″ 79°13′35″ 45 31°47′56″ 79°16′08″ 46 31°47′11″ 79°16′30″ 47 31°46′29″ 79°16′25″ 48 31°44′31″ 79°17′24″ 49 31°43′20″ 79°18′27″ 50 31°42′26″ 79°20′41″ 51 31°41′09″ 79°22′26″ 52 31°39′36″ 79°23′59″ 53 31°37′54″ 79°25′29″ 54 31°35′57″ 79°27′14″ 55 31°34′14″ 79°28′24″ 56 31°31′08″ 79°29′59″ 57 31°30′26″ 79°29′52″ 58 31°29′11″ 79°30′11″ 59 31°27′58″ 79°31′41″ 60 31°27′06″ 79°32′08″ 61 31°26′22″ 79°32′48″ 62 31°24′21″ 79°33′51″ 63 31°22′53″ 79°34′41″ 64 31°21′03″ 79°36′01″ 65 31°20′00″ 79°37′12″ 66 31°18′34″ 79°38′15″ 67 31°16′49″ 79°38′36″ 68 31°13′06″ 79°38′19″ 70 31°11′04″ 79°38′39″ 70 31°09′28″ 79°39′09″ 71 31°07′44″ 79°40′21″ 72 31°05′53″ 79°41′27″ 73 31°04′40″ 79°42′09″ 74 31°02′58″ 79°42′28″ 75 31°01′03″ 79°42′40″ 76 30°59′50″ 79°42′43″ 77 30°58′27″ 79°42′43″ 78 30°57′15″ 79°42′50″ 79 30°56′09″ 79°43′28″ 80 30°54′49″ 79°44′53″ 81 30°53′44″ 79°46′24″ 82 30°52′47″ 79°47′40″ 83 30°51′45″ 79°48′16″ 84 30°48′36″ 79°49′02″ 85 30°45′24″ 79°49′55″ 86 30°41′36″ 79°51′31″ 87 30°38′38″ 79°52′23″ 88 30°37′00″ 79°52′37.2″ 89 30°37′00″ 80°05′00″ 90 30°34′6.42″ 80°05′54.96″ 91 30°26′59.94″ 80°07′41.22″ 92 30°23′53.28″ 80°08′8.58″ 93 30°19′22.86″ 80°09′22.56″ 94 30°13′17.58″ 80°11′15.24″ 95 30°07′55.68″ 80°12′19.62″ 96 30°00′00″ 80°13′00″ 97 30°00′9″ 80°09′30″ 98 30°03′00″ 80°09′30″ 99 30°03′00″ 80°06′00″ 100 30°04′00″ 80°02′45.6″ 101 29°59′16″ 80°04′11″ 102 29°49′12″ 80°05′44″ 103 29°43′59″ 80°06′24″ 104 29°38′37″ 80°06′53″ 105 29°36′54″ 80°07′18″ 106 29°31′59″ 80°07′32″ 107 29°29′14″ 80°07′18″ 108 29°21′48″ 80°05′01″ 109 29°20′25″ 80°04′29″ 110 29°08′00″ 79°59′43″ 111 29°06′56″ 79°59′07″ 112 29°05′59″ 79°58′44″ 113 29°03′34″ 79°57′37″ 114 29°02′11″ 79°56′59″ 115 29°00′00″ 79°55′32″ 116 28°56′55″ 79°54′22″ 117 28°55′00″ 79°53′31″ 118 28°53′35″ 79°52′51″ 119 28°51′47″ 79°52′07″ 120 28°50′25″ 79°51′27″ 121 28°49′53″ 79°51′20″ 122 28°49′01″ 79°51′20″ 123 28°48′19″ 79°51′10″ 124 28°47′13″ 79°50′59″ 125 28°43′30″ 79°50′36″ 126 28°41′05″ 79°50′04″ 127 28°40′27″ 79°50′07″ 128 28°39′50″ 79°49′56″ 129 28°39′04″ 79°49′58″ 130 28°36′43″ 79°49′35″ 131 28°35′01″ 79°49′24″ 132 28°30′37″ 79°48′35″ 133 28°14′00″ 79°46′20″ 134 28°11′41″ 79°46′12″ 135 28°08′02″ 79°45′45″ 136 28°01′20″ 79°45′20″ 137 27°58′13″ 79°44′51″ 138 27°56′23″ 79°44′53″ 139 27°49′40″ 79°44′25″ 140 27°46′27″ 79°44′22″ 141 27°42′00″ 79°44′33″ 142 27°36′08″ 79°44′58″ 143 27°30′00″ 79°45′29″ 144 27°29′04″ 79°45′47″ 145 27°27′05″ 79°45′54″ 146 27°25′47″ 79°45′57″ 147 27°19′46″ 79°45′14″ 148 27°17′54″ 79°45′12″ 149 27°12′28″ 79°45′00″ 150 27°07′45″ 79°46′07″ 151 27°04′47″ 79°46′29″ 152 27°00′43″ 79°46′39″ 153 26°58′43″ 79°46′28″ 154 26°57′06″ 79°46′32″ 155 26°49′58″ 79°46′54″ 156 26°48′58″ 79°46′56″ 157 26°47′01″ 79°47′09″ 158 26°46′04″ 79°47′09″ 159 26°35′09″ 79°48′01″ 160 26°33′37″ 79°48′21″ 161 26°27′56″ 79°49′09″ 162 26°25′55″ 79°49′30″ 163 26°21′05″ 79°50′03″ 164 26°20′30″ 79°50′20″ 165 26°18′56″ 79°50′17″ 166 26°16′19″ 79°54′06″ 167 26°13′48″ 79°54′48″ 168 26°12′19″ 79°55′37″ 169 26°10′57″ 79°57′05″ 170 26°09′17″ 79°58′45″ 171 26°07′11″ 80°00′22″ 172 26°06′12″ 80°00′33″ 173 26°03′26″ 80°01′02″ 174 26°00′35″ 80°01′13″ 175 25°49′10″ 80°00′38″ 176 25°48′30″ 80°00′23″ 177 25°46′42″ 79°59′14″ 178 25°27′28″ 80°02′26″ 179 25°24′06″ 80°01′44″ 180 25°21′04″ 80°01′27″ 181 25°21′04″ at outer boundary of EEZ (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 181 to the Origin. (iv) Pourtales Terrace (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. Origin 24°20′12″ 80°43′50″ 1 24°33′42″ 80°34′23″ 2 24°37′45″ 80°31′20″ 3 24°47′18″ 80°23′08″ 4 24°51′08″ 80°27′58″ 5 24°42′52″ 80°35′51″ 6 24°29′44″ 80°49′45″ 7 24°15′04″ 81°07′52″ 8 24°10′55″ 80°58′11″ (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 8 to the Origin. (v) Blake Ridge Diapir Point North lat. West long. Origin 32°32′28″ 76°13′16″ 1 32°30′44″ 76°13′24″ 2 32°30′37″ 76°11′21″ 3 32°32′21″ 76°11′13″ Origin 32°32′28″ 76°13′16″ (2) Restrictions. (i) Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap. (ii) If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain. (iii) Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel. (3) Shrimp fishery access areas. (i) Shrimp access area 1 Point North lat. West long. Origin 30°06′30″ 80°02′2.4″ 1 30°06′30″ 80°05′39.6″ 2 30°03′00″ 80°09′30″ 3 30°03′00″ 80°06′00″ 4 30°04′00″ 80°02′45.6″ 5 29°59′16″ 80°04′11″ 6 29°49′12″ 80°05′44″ 7 29°43′59″ 80°06′24″ 8 29°38′37″ 80°06′53″ 9 29°36′54″ 80°07′18″ 10 29°31′59″ 80°07′32″ 11 29°29′14″ 80°07′18″ 12 29°21′48″ 80°05′01″ 13 29°20′25″ 80°04′29″ 14 29°20′25″ 80°03′11″ 15 29°21′48″ 80°03′52″ 16 29°29′14″ 80°06′08″ 17 29°31′59″ 80°06′23″ 18 29°36′54″ 80°06′00″ 19 29°38′37″ 80°05′43″ 20 29°43′59″ 80°05′14″ 21 29°49′12″ 80°04′35″ 22 29°59′16″ 80°03′01″ 23 30°06′30″ 80°00′53″ Origin 30°06′30″ 80°02′2.4″ (ii) Shrimp access area 2 Point North lat. West long. Origin 29°08′00″ 79°59′43″ 1 29°06′56″ 79°59′07″ 2 29°05′59″ 79°58′44″ 3 29°03′34″ 79°57′37″ 4 29°02′11″ 79°56′59″ 5 29°00′00″ 79°55′32″ 6 28°56′55″ 79°54′22″ 7 28°55′00″ 79°53′31″ 8 28°53′35″ 79°52′51″ 9 28°51′47″ 79°52′07″ 10 28°50′25″ 79°51′27″ 11 28°49′53″ 79°51′20″ 12 28°49′01″ 79°51′20″ 13 28°48′19″ 79°51′10″ 14 28°47′13″ 79°50′59″ 15 28°43′30″ 79°50′36″ 16 28°41′05″ 79°50′04″ 17 28°40′27″ 79°50′07″ 18 28°39′50″ 79°49′56″ 19 28°39′04″ 79°49′58″ 20 28°36′43″ 79°49′35″ 21 28°35′01″ 79°49′24″ 22 28°30′37″ 79°48′35″ 23 28°30′37″ 79°47′27″ 24 28°35′01″ 79°48′16″ 25 28°36′43″ 79°48′27″ 26 28°39′04″ 79°48′50″ 27 28°39′50″ 79°48′48″ 28 28°40′27″ 79°48′58″ 29 28°41′05″ 79°48′56″ 30 28°43′30″ 79°49′28″ 31 28°47′13″ 79°49′51″ 32 28°48′19″ 79°50′01″ 33 28°49′01″ 79°50′13″ 34 28°49′53″ 79°50′12″ 35 28°50′25″ 79°50′17″ 36 28°51′47″ 79°50′58″ 37 28°53′35″ 79°51′43″ 38 28°55′00″ 79°52′22″ 39 28°56′55″ 79°53′14″ 40 29°00′00″ 79°54′24″ 41 29°02′11″ 79°55′50″ 42 29°03′34″ 79°56′29″ 43 29°05′59″ 79°57′35″ 44 29°06′56″ 79°57′59″ 45 29°08′00″ 79°58′34″ Origin 29°08′00″ 79°59′43″ (iii) Shrimp access area 3 Point North lat. West long. Origin 28°14′00″ 79°46′20″ 1 28°11′41″ 79°46′12″ 2 28°08′02″ 79°45′45″ 3 28°01′20″ 79°45′20″ 4 27°58′13″ 79°44′51″ 5 27°56′23″ 79°44′53″ 6 27°49′40″ 79°44′25″ 7 27°46′27″ 79°44′22″ 8 27°42′00″ 79°44′33″ 9 27°36′08″ 79°44′58″ 10 27°30′00″ 79°45′29″ 11 27°29′04″ 79°45′47″ 12 27°27′05″ 79°45′54″ 13 27°25′47″ 79°45′57″ 14 27°19′46″ 79°45′14″ 15 27°17′54″ 79°45′12″ 16 27°12′28″ 79°45′00″ 17 27°07′45″ 79°46′07″ 18 27°04′47″ 79°46′29″ 19 27°00′43″ 79°46′39″ 20 26°58′43″ 79°46′28″ 21 26°57′06″ 79°46′32″ 22 26°57′06″ 79°44′52″ 23 26°58′43″ 79°44′47″ 24 27°00′43″ 79°44′58″ 25 27°04′47″ 79°44′48″ 26 27°07′45″ 79°44′26″ 27 27°12′28″ 79°43′19″ 28 27°17′54″ 79°43′31″ 29 27°19′46″ 79°43′33″ 30 27°25′47″ 79°44′15″ 31 27°27′05″ 79°44′12″ 32 27°29′04″ 79°44′06″ 33 27°30′00″ 79°43′48″ 34 27°30′00″ 79°44′22″ 35 27°36′08″ 79°43′50″ 36 27°42′00″ 79°43′25″ 37 27°46′27″ 79°43′14″ 38 27°49′40″ 79°43′17″ 39 27°56′23″ 79°43′45″ 40 27°58′13″ 79°43′43″ 41 28°01′20″ 79°44′11″ 42 28°04′42″ 79°44′25″ 43 28°08′02″ 79°44′37″ 44 28°11′41″ 79°45′04″ 45 28°14′00″ 79°45′12″ Origin 28°14′00″ 79°46′20″ (iv) Shrimp access area 4 Point North lat. West long. Origin 26°49′58″ 79°46′54″ 1 26°48′58″ 79°46′56″ 2 26°47′01″ 79°47′09″ 3 26°46′04″ 79°47′09″ 4 26°35′09″ 79°48′01″ 5 26°33′37″ 79°48′21″ 6 26°27′56″ 79°49′09″ 7 26°25′55″ 79°49′30″ 8 26°21′05″ 79°50′03″ 9 26°20′30″ 79°50′20″ 10 26°18′56″ 79°50′17″ 11 26°18′56″ 79°48′37″ 12 26°20′30″ 79°48′40″ 13 26°21′05″ 79°48′08″ 14 26°25′55″ 79°47′49″ 15 26°27′56″ 79°47′29″ 16 26°33′37″ 79°46′40″ 17 26°35′09″ 79°46′20″ 18 26°46′04″ 79°45′28″ 19 26°47′01″ 79°45′28″ 20 26°48′58″ 79°45′15″ 21 26°49′58″ 79°45′13″ Origin 26°49′58″ 79°46′54″ (4) Golden crab fishery access areas. (i) Golden crab northern zone access area Point North lat. West long. Origin 29°00′00″ 79°54′24″ 1 28°56′55″ 79°53′14″ 2 28°55′00″ 79°52′22″ 3 28°53′35″ 79°51′43″ 4 28°51′47″ 79°50′58″ 5 28°50′25″ 79°50′17″ 6 28°49′53″ 79°50′12″ 7 28°49′01″ 79°50′13″ 8 28°48′19″ 79°50′01″ 9 28°47′13″ 79°49′51″ 10 28°43′30″ 79°49′28″ 11 28°41′05″ 79°48′56″ 12 28°40′27″ 79°48′58″ 13 28°39′50″ 79°48′48″ 14 28°39′04″ 79°48′50″ 15 28°36′43″ 79°48′27″ 16 28°35′01″ 79°48′16″ 17 28°30′37″ 79°47′27″ 18 28°30′37″ 79°42′12″ 19 28°14′00″ 79°40′54″ 20 28°14′00″ 79°45′12″ 21 28°11′41″ 79°45′04″ 22 28°08′02″ 79°44′37″ 23 28°04′42″ 79°44′25″ 24 28°01′20″ 79°44′11″ 25 28°00′00″ 79°43′59″ 26 28°00′00″ 79°38′16″ 27 28°11′42″ 79°38′13″ 28 28°23′02″ 79°38′57″ 29 28°36′50″ 79°40′25″ 30 28°38′33″ 79°41′33″ 31 28°38′20″ 79°43′04″ 32 28°41′00″ 79°43′39″ 33 28°48′16″ 79°44′32″ 34 28°54′29″ 79°45′55″ 35 29°00′00″ 79°45′50″ Origin 29°00′00″ 79°54′24″ (ii) Golden crab middle zone access area A (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. Origin 26°58′45″ 79°35′05″ 1 27°00′39″ 79°36′26″ 2 27°07′55″ 79°37′52″ 3 27°14′52″ 79°37′09″ 4 27°29′21″ 79°37′15″ 5 28°00′00″ 79°38′16″ 6 28°00′00″ 79°43′59″ 7 27°58′13″ 79°43′43″ 8 27°56′23″ 79°43′45″ 9 27°49′40″ 79°43′17″ 10 27°46′27″ 79°43′14″ 11 27°42′00″ 79°43′25″ 12 27°36′08″ 79°43′50″ 13 27°30′00″ 79°44′22″ 14 27°30′00″ 79°43′48″ 15 27°29′04″ 79°44′06″ 16 27°27′05″ 79°44′12″ 17 27°25′47″ 79°44′15″ 18 27°19′46″ 79°43′33″ 19 27°17′54″ 79°43′31″ 20 27°12′28″ 79°43′19″ 21 27°07′45″ 79°44′26″ 22 27°04′47″ 79°44′48″ 23 27°00′43″ 79°44′58″ 24 26°58′43″ 79°44′47″ 25 26°57′06″ 79°44′52″ 26 26°57′06″ 79°42′34″ 27 26°49′58″ 79°42′34″ 28 26°49′58″ 79°45′13″ 29 26°48′58″ 79°45′15″ 30 26°47′01″ 79°45′28″ 31 26°46′04″ 79°45′28″ 32 26°35′09″ 79°46′20″ 33 26°33′37″ 79°46′40″ 34 26°27′56″ 79°47′29″ 35 26°25′55″ 79°47′49″ 36 26°21′05″ 79°48′08″ 37 26°20′30″ 79°48′40″ 38 26°18′56″ 79°48′37″ 39 26°03′38″ 79°48′16″ 40 26°03′35″ 79°46′09″ 41 25°58′33″ 79°46′08″ 42 25°54′27″ 79°45′37″ 43 25°46′55″ 79°44′14″ 44 25°38′04″ 79°45′58″ 45 25°38′05″ 79°42′27″ (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 45 to Point 46. (C) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. 46 26°07′49″ 79°36′07″ 47 26°17′36″ 79°36′06″ 48 26°21′18″ 79°38′04″ 49 26°50′46″ 79°35′12″ 50 26°50′40″ 79°33′45″ (D) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 50 to the Origin. (iii) Golden crab middle zone access area B Point North lat. West long. Origin 25°49′10″ 80°00′38″ 1 25°48′30″ 80°00′23″ 2 25°46′42″ 79°59′14″ 3 25°27′28″ 80°02′26″ 4 25°24′06″ 80°01′44″ 5 25°21′04″ 80°01′27″ 6 25°21′04″ 79°58′12″ 7 25°23′25″ 79°58′19″ 8 25°32′52″ 79°54′48″ 9 25°36′58″ 79°54′46″ 10 25°37′20″ 79°56′20″ 11 25°49′11″ 79°56′00″ Origin 25°49′10″ 80°00′38″ (iv) Golden crab middle zone access area C (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. Origin 25°33′32″ 79°42′18″ 1 25°33′32″ 79°47′14″ 2 25°21′04″ 79°53′45″ 3 25°21′04″ 79°42′04″ (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 3 to the Origin. (v) Golden crab southern zone access area (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Point North lat. West long. Origin 24°14′07″ 80°53′27″ 1 24°13′46″ 81°04′54″ 2 24°10′55″ 80°58′11″ (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from Point 2 to the Origin. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 42431, July 17, 2015; 80 FR 46205, Aug. 4, 2015; 80 FR 60566, Oct. 7, 2015; 81 FR 7715, Feb. 16, 2016] § 622.225 Harvest limitations. (a) Aquacultured live rock. (1) Aquacultured live rock may be harvested only under a permit, as required under § 622.220(a)(3), and aquacultured live rock on a site may be harvested only by the person, or his or her employee, contractor, or agent, who has been issued the aquacultured live rock permit for the site. A person harvesting aquacultured live rock is exempt from the prohibition on taking prohibited coral for such prohibited coral as attaches to aquacultured live rock. (2) The following restrictions apply to individual aquaculture activities: (i) No aquaculture site may exceed 1 acre (0.4 ha) in size. (ii) Material deposited on the aquaculture site— (A) May not be placed over naturally occurring reef outcrops, limestone ledges, coral reefs, or vegetated areas. (B) Must be free of contaminants. (C) Must be nontoxic. (D) Must be placed on the site by hand or lowered completely to the bottom under restraint, that is, not allowed to fall freely. (E) Must be placed from a vessel that is anchored. (F) Must be geologically distinguishable from the naturally occurring substrate and, in addition, may be indelibly marked or tagged. (iii) A minimum setback of at least 50 ft (15.2 m) must be maintained from natural vegetated or hard bottom habitats. (3) Mechanically dredging or drilling, or otherwise disturbing, aquacultured live rock is prohibited, and aquacultured live rock may be harvested only by hand. (4) The following activities are also prohibited: Chipping of aquacultured live rock in the EEZ, possession of chipped aquacultured live rock in or from the EEZ, removal of allowable octocoral or prohibited coral from aquacultured live rock in or from the EEZ, and possession of prohibited coral not attached to aquacultured live rock or allowable octocoral, while aquacultured live rock is in possession. See the definition of “Allowable octocoral” for clarification of the distinction between allowable octocoral and live rock. For the purposes of this paragraph (a)(4), chipping means breaking up reefs, ledges, or rocks into fragments, usually by means of a chisel and hammer. (5) Not less than 24 hours prior to harvest of aquacultured live rock, the owner or operator of the harvesting vessel must provide the following information to the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-824-5344): (i) Permit number of site to be harvested and date of harvest. (ii) Name and official number of the vessel to be used in harvesting. (iii) Date, port, and facility at which aquacultured live rock will be landed. (b) [Reserved] § 622.226 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) South Atlantic wild live rock. (b) [Reserved] § 622.227 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or modify the following: (a) South Atlantic coral, coral reefs, and live/hard bottom habitats. (b) [Reserved] Subpart L—Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region § 622.240 Permits. (a) Commercial vessel permits. (b) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (c) Permit procedures. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.241 South Atlantic golden crab controlled access. (a) General. (1) The RA will issue up to two new vessel permits for the northern zone. Selection will be made from the list of historical participants in the South Atlantic golden crab fishery. Such list was used at the October 1995 meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and was prioritized based on pounds of golden crab landed, without reference to a specific zone. Individuals on the list who originally received permits will be deleted from the list. (2) The RA will offer in writing an opportunity to apply for a permit for the northern zone to the individuals highest on the list until two individuals accept and apply in a timely manner. An offer that is not accepted within 30 days after it is received will no longer be valid. (3) An application for a permit from an individual who accepts the RA's offer must be received by the RA no later than 30 days after the date of the individual's acceptance. Application forms are available from the RA. (4) A vessel permit for the northern zone issued under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any successor permit, may not be changed to another zone. A successor permit includes a permit issued to that vessel for a subsequent owner and a permit issued via transfer from that vessel to another vessel. (b) Fishing zones Designation of fishing zones. (i) Northern zone—the South Atlantic EEZ north of 28° N. lat. (ii) Middle zone—the South Atlantic EEZ from 28° N. lat. to 25° N. lat. (iii) Southern zone—the South Atlantic EEZ south of 25° N. lat. (2) Authorization to fish in zones. (3) Small-vessel sub-zone. (4) Procedure for changing zones. (c) Transferring permits between vessels Procedure for transferring. (2) Vessel size limitations on transferring. i.e., (ii) There are no vessel size limitations to obtain a permit for the northern zone via transfer. (d) Permit renewal. § 622.242 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (2) Reporting forms required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be submitted to the SRD postmarked not later than 30 days after sale of the golden crab offloaded from a trip. If no fishing occurred during a calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted on one of the forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of that month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (b) Dealers. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.243 Gear identification. (a) Golden crab traps and associated buoys Golden crab traps. (2) Associated buoys. (3) Presumption of ownership. (4) Unmarked golden crab traps. (b) [Reserved] § 622.244 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.245 Prohibited species. (a) General. (b) Female golden crabs. (c) Snapper-grouper aboard a golden crab vessel. § 622.246 Area closures. (a) Golden crab trap closed areas. (b) [Reserved] § 622.247 Landing golden crab intact. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that golden crab on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading ashore. (a) A golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ must be maintained in whole condition through landing ashore. For the purposes of this paragraph, whole means a crab that is in its natural condition and that has not been gutted or separated into component pieces, e.g., (b) [Reserved] § 622.248 Authorized gear. (a) Traps. (b) Buoy line or mainline. § 622.249 Gear restrictions and requirements. (a) Maximum trap sizes. 3 3 3 3 (b) Required escape mechanisms for traps. (i) A golden crab trap constructed of webbing must have an opening (slit) at least 1 ft (30.5 cm) long that may be closed (relaced) only with untreated cotton string no larger than 3/16 (ii) A golden crab trap constructed of material other than webbing must have an escape panel or door measuring at least 11 7/8 7/8 3/16 (2) [Reserved] (c) Restriction on tending traps. § 622.250 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) A female golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ may not be sold or purchased. (b) A golden crab harvested in the South Atlantic EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid commercial permit for golden crab, as required under § 622.240(a), may not be sold or purchased. (c) A golden crab harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic golden crab may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.240(b)(1). (d) A golden crab harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.240(b)(1), only from a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for golden crab. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.251 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Commercial sector. (2) If commercial landings for golden crab, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the ACL, and the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 3746, Jan. 22, 2016] § 622.252 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or modify the following: (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, maximum sustainable yield, acceptable biological catch, total allowable catch, quotas (including quotas equal to zero), trip limits, minimum sizes, gear regulations and restrictions, permit requirements, seasonal or area closures, sub-zones and their management measures, time frame for recovery of golden crab if overfished, fishing year (adjustment not to exceed 2 months), observer requirements, authority for the Regional Administrator to close the fishery when a quota is reached or is projected to be reached, definitions of essential fish habitat (EFH), EFH habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs), or coral HAPCs, and allow transfer of the unharvested ACL to the following fishing year. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 89 FR 276, Jan. 3, 2024] Subpart M—Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic § 622.270 Permits. (a) Commercial vessel permits. (2) The provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section notwithstanding, a fishing vessel, except a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat, that does not have a commercial vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo but has a Federal commercial vessel permit in any other fishery, is exempt from the bag and possession limits for dolphin and wahoo and may sell dolphin and wahoo, subject to the trip and geographical limits specified in § 622.278(a)(3). (A charter vessel/headboat permit is not a commercial vessel permit.) (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (2) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of “Charter vessel” and “Headboat” in § 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, respectively. (c) [Reserved] (d) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (e) Permit procedures. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 87 FR 19018, Apr. 1, 2022] § 622.271 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators Reporting requirement. (2) Reporting deadlines. (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators General reporting requirement Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (2) Reporting deadlines for charter vessels and headboats. (3) Catastrophic conditions. Federal Register, (4) Compliance requirements. (5) Hardware and software requirements for electronic reporting. (c) Dealers. (2) Alternate SRD. (3) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.270(d)(1), must make available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, purchases, or sales of Atlantic dolphin or wahoo. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 85 FR 10340, Feb. 24, 2020] § 622.272 Authorized gear. (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo Authorized gear. (2) Trap, pot, and buoy gear authorization. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 87 FR 19018, Apr. 1, 2022; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.273 Conservation measures for protected species. (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo pelagic longliners. (b) [Reserved] § 622.274 Pelagic longline closed areas. (a) If pelagic longline gear is on board a vessel, a person aboard such vessel may not fish for or retain a dolphin or wahoo— (1) In the Northeastern United States closed area from June 1 through June 30 each year. The Northeastern United States closed area is that portion of the EEZ between 40° N. lat. and 39° N. lat. from 68° W. long. to 74° W. long. (2) In the Charleston Bump closed area from February 1 through April 30 each year. The Charleston Bump closed area is that portion of the EEZ off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia between 34° N. lat. and 31° N. lat. and west of 76° W. long. (3) In the East Florida Coast closed area year round. The East Florida Coast closed area is that portion of the EEZ off Georgia and the east coast of Florida from the inner boundary of the EEZ at 31° N. lat.; thence due east to 78° W. long.; thence by a rhumb line to 28°17′ N. lat., 79°12′ W. long.; thence proceeding in a southerly direction along the outer boundary of the EEZ to 24° N. lat.; thence due west to 24° N. lat., 81°47′ W. long.; thence due north to the innermost boundary of the EEZ at 81°47′ W. long. (b) A vessel is considered to have pelagic longline gear on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a mainline, floats capable of supporting the mainline, and gangions with hooks are on board. Removal of any one of these elements constitutes removal of pelagic longline gear. (c) If a vessel is in a closed area during a time specified in paragraph (a) of this section with pelagic longline gear on board, it is a rebuttable presumption that fish on board such vessel were taken with pelagic longline gear in the closed area. § 622.275 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the Atlantic EEZ, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. (a) Dolphin in the Atlantic off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina (b) [Reserved] § 622.276 Landing fish intact. (a) Dolphin or wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ must be maintained with head and fins intact, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and scaled, but must otherwise be maintained in a whole condition. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. (b) In the Atlantic EEZ, dolphin or wahoo lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters are exempt from the requirement that they be maintained with head and fins intact, provided that the skin remains intact on the entire fillet of any dolphin or wahoo carcasses, valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits are on board the vessel, each person on the vessel has a valid government passport with current stamps and dates from The Bahamas, and the vessel is in transit through the Atlantic EEZ with fishing gear appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this paragraph, a vessel is in transit through the Atlantic EEZ when it is on a direct and continuous course through the Atlantic EEZ and no one aboard the vessel fishes in the EEZ. For the purpose of this paragraph, fishing gear appropriately stowed means that terminal gear ( i.e., [80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015] § 622.277 Bag and possession limits. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and possession limits. (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. (1) Dolphin. (ii) In the Atlantic EEZ and lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters (as per § 622.276(b))—10, not to exceed 60 per vessel, whichever is less, except on board a headboat, 10 per paying passenger. For the purposes of this paragraph, for determining how many dolphin are on board a vessel in fillet form when harvested lawfully in Bahamian waters, two fillets of dolphin, regardless of the length of each fillet, is equivalent to one dolphin. The skin must remain intact on the entire fillet of any dolphin carcass. (2) Wahoo. (ii) In the Atlantic EEZ and lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters (as per § 622.276(b))—2. For the purposes of this paragraph, for determining how many wahoo are on board a vessel in fillet form when harvested lawfully in Bahamian waters, two fillets of wahoo, regardless of the length of each fillet, is equivalent to one wahoo. The skin must remain intact on the entire fillet of any wahoo carcass. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015; 87 FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022] § 622.278 Commercial trip limits. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of Atlantic dolphin and wahoo that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all weights are round or eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise): (a) Trip-limited permits Atlantic wahoo. (ii) When using the fishing gear for wahoo and as authorized and permitted as described under § 622.272(a)(2), the trip limit for wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ is 500 lb (227 kg). The trip limit in this paragraph (a)(1)(ii) may not be combined with the trip limit specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. (iii) See § 622.280(b)(1) for the limitations regarding wahoo after the ACL is reached. (2) Atlantic dolphin. (ii) When using the fishing gear for dolphin and as authorized and permitted as described under § 622.272(a)(2), the trip limit for dolphin in or from the Atlantic EEZ is 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight. The trip limit in this paragraph (a)(2)(ii) may not be combined with the trip limit specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. (iii) See § 622.280(a)(1) for the limitations regarding dolphin after the ACL is reached. (3) Vessels without a Federal dolphin and wahoo commercial permit. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 96930, Dec. 30, 2016; 87 FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022] § 622.279 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) Dolphin or wahoo harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, as required under § 622.270(a)(1), or by a vessel authorized a 200-lb (91-kg) trip limit for dolphin or wahoo, as specified in § 622.278(a)(2), may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.270(d)(1). (b) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a person may not sell dolphin or wahoo possessed under the recreational bag limit harvested in the Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel while it is operating as a charter vessel or headboat. A dolphin or wahoo harvested or possessed by a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat with a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo may not be purchased or sold if harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state waters. (c) Dolphin or wahoo harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ may be first received only by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.270(d)(1), and only from a vessel authorized to sell dolphin and wahoo under paragraph (a)(1) of this section. (d) Dolphin or wahoo possessed pursuant to the bag and possession limits specified in § 622.277(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(ii) may not be sold or purchased. [79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015] § 622.280 Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Atlantic dolphin Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, if the combined Atlantic dolphin commercial and recreational landings exceed the combined commercial and recreational ACLs specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(2)(i) of this section, and Atlantic dolphin are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year, to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (3) Total ACL. (b) Atlantic wahoo Commercial sector. i.e., (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, if the combined Atlantic wahoo commercial and recreational landings exceed the combined commercial and recreational ACLs specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(2)(i) of this section, and Atlantic wahoo are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year, to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. [79 FR 32879, June 9, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 3746, Jan. 22, 2016; 87 FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022] § 622.281 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, the RA may establish or modify the following items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, maximum sustainable yield, optimum yield, overfishing limit, total allowable catch, acceptable biological catch (ABC), ABC control rule, annual catch limits, annual catch targets, accountability measures, trip limits, minimum sizes, gear regulations and restrictions, permit requirements, seasonal or area closures, sub-zones and their management measures, overfishing definitions and other status determination criteria, time frame for recovery of Atlantic dolphin or wahoo if overfished, fishing year (adjustment not to exceed 2 months), authority for the Regional Administrator to close a fishery when a quota is reached or is projected to be reached or reopen a fishery when additional quota becomes available, definitions of essential fish habitat (EFH), EFH habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs), or coral HAPCs, and allow transfer of the unharvested total or sector ACL to the following fishing year. (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 32880, June 9, 2014; 85 FR 10340, Feb. 24, 2020; 89 FR 276, Jan. 3, 2024] Subpart N—Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region § 622.300 At-sea observer coverage. (a) Required coverage. (2) [Reserved] (b) Notification to the SRD. (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time). (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date). (c) Observer accommodations and access. (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew. (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties. (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position. (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish. (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip. § 622.301 Area and seasonal restrictions. (a) Pelagic sargassum area and seasonal restrictions Area restrictions. (ii) No person may harvest or possess pelagic sargassum in or from the South Atlantic EEZ south of 34° N. lat. (2) Seasonal restriction. (b) [Reserved] § 622.302 Minimum mesh size. (a) The minimum allowable mesh size for a net used to fish for pelagic sargassum in the South Atlantic EEZ is 4.0 inches (10.2 cm), stretched mesh, and such net must be attached to a frame no larger than 4 ft by 6 ft (1.2 m by 1.8 m). A vessel in the South Atlantic EEZ with a net on board that does not meet these requirements may not possess any pelagic sargassum. (b) [Reserved] § 622.303 Quotas. See § 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability and closure and reopening procedures. This section provides quotas and specific quota closure restrictions for South Atlantic pelagic sargassum. (a) Quota. (b) Restrictions applicable after a quota closure. Subparts O-P [Reserved] Subpart Q—Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Gulf of America, South Atlantic, and Mid-Atlantic) § 622.369 Description of zones. (a) Migratory groups of king mackerel. (1) Gulf migratory group. (i) Western zone. (ii) Northern zone. (iii) Southern zone. (2) Atlantic migratory group. (i) Northern zone. (ii) Southern zone. Table 1 to § 622.369—King Mackerel Description of Zones [For illustration, see Figure 1 in Appendix G of this part] Area Boundary 1 Boundary 2 Gulf Migratory Group—Western Zone U.S./Mexico, A line east of the intersection of 25°58′30.57″ N. lat. and 96°55′27.37″ W. long AL/FL, 87°31′6″ W. long. Gulf Migratory Group—Northern Zone AL/FL, 87°31′6″ W. long Lee/Collier, 26°19′48″ N. lat. Gulf Migratory Group—Southern Zone Lee/Collier, 26°19′48″ N. lat Monroe/Miami-Dade, 25°20′24″ N. lat. Atlantic Migratory Group—Northern Zone NY/CT/RI, 41°18′16.249″ N. lat. and 71°54′28.477″ W. long. southeast to 37°22′32.75″ N. lat. and the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ NC/SC, a line extending in a direction of 135°34′55″ from true north beginning at 33°51′07.9″ N. lat. and 78°32′32.6″ W. long. to the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ. Atlantic Migratory Group—Southern Zone NC/SC, a line extending in a direction of 135°34′55″ from true north beginning at 33°51′07.9″ N. lat. and 78°32′32.6″ W. long. to the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ Monroe/Miami-Dade, 25°20′24″ N. lat. (b) Migratory groups of Spanish mackerel Gulf migratory group. (2) Atlantic migratory group. (i) Northern zone. (ii) Southern zone. Table 2 to § 622.369—Spanish Mackerel Description of Zones [For illustration, see Figure 2 in Appendix G of this part] Area Boundary 1 Boundary 2 Gulf Migratory Group US/Mexico, A line east of the intersection of 25°58′30.57″ N. lat. and 96°55′27.37″ W. long Monroe/Miami-Dade, 25°20′24″ N. lat. Atlantic Migratory Group—Northern Zone NY/CT/RI, 41°18′16.249″ N. lat. and 71°54′28.477″ W. long. southeast to 37°22′32.75″ N. lat. and the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ NC/SC, a line extending in a direction of 135°34′55″ from true north beginning at 33°51′07.9″ N. lat. and 78°32′32.6″ W. long. to the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ. Atlantic Migratory Group—Southern Zone NC/SC, a line extending in a direction of 135°34′55″ from true north beginning at 33°51′07.9″ N. lat. and 78°32′32.6″ W. long. to the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ Monroe/Miami-Dade, 25°20′24″ N. lat. (c) Migratory groups of cobia Gulf migratory group. (i) Gulf zone. (ii) Florida east coast zone. (2) Atlantic migratory group. Table 3 to § 622.369—Cobia Description of Zones [For illustration, see Figure 3 in Appendix G of this part] Area Boundary 1 Boundary 2 Gulf Migratory Group—Gulf Zone US/Mexico, A line east of the intersection of 25°58′30.57″ N. lat. and 96°55′27.37″ W. long Council Boundary—the intersection of the outer boundary of the EEZ and 83°00′ W. long., north to 24°35′ N. lat., (near the Dry Tortugas Islands), then east to the mainland. Gulf Migratory Group—Florida East Coast Zone Council Boundary—the intersection of the outer boundary of the EEZ and 83°00′ W. long., north to 24°35′ N. lat., (near the Dry Tortugas Islands), then east to the mainland FL/GA, 30°42′45.6″ N. lat. Atlantic Migratory Group NY/CT/RI, 41°18′16.249″ N. lat. and 71°54′28.477″ W. long. southeast to 37°22′32.75″ N. lat. and the intersection point with the outward boundary of the EEZ FL/GA, 30°42′45.6″ N. lat. [82 FR 17394, Apr. 11, 2017, as amended at 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] § 622.370 Permits. (a) Commercial vessel permits King mackerel. (2) Gillnets for king mackerel in the Gulf southern zone. (3) Spanish mackerel. (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (i) See § 622.373 regarding a limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. (ii) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of “Charter vessel” and “Headboat” in § 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, respectively. (2) [Reserved] (c) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (2) State license and facility requirements. (d) Permit procedures. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017] § 622.371 Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for king mackerel. (a) No applications for additional commercial vessel permits for king mackerel will be accepted. Existing vessel permits may be renewed, are subject to the restrictions on transfer or change in paragraph (b) of this section, and are subject to the requirement for timely renewal in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial vessel permit for king mackerel issued under this limited access system to another vessel owned by the same entity. A permit holder may also transfer the commercial vessel permit for king mackerel to the owner of another vessel or to a new vessel owner when he or she transfers ownership of the permitted vessel. (c) NMFS will not reissue a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel if the permit is revoked or if the RA does not receive an application for renewal within one year of the permit's expiration date. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 80 FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 85 FR 22045, Apr. 21, 2020] § 622.372 Limited access system for king mackerel gillnet permits applicable in the Gulf southern zone. (a) Except for applications for renewals of king mackerel gillnet permits, no applications for king mackerel gillnet permits will be accepted. Application forms for permit renewal are available from the RA. (b) An owner of a vessel with a king mackerel gillnet permit issued under this limited access system may transfer that permit upon a change of ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit from one to another of the following: Husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. Such permit also may be transferred to another vessel owned by the same entity. (c) A king mackerel gillnet permit that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within one year after the expiration date of the permit. (d) Renewal criteria for a king mackerel gillnet permit. (1) Initial determination. (2) Procedure for appealing landings information. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 80 FR 80686, Dec. 28, 2015] § 622.373 Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. (a) General. (b) Transfer of permits Permits without a historical captain endorsement. (2) Permits with a historical captain endorsement. (3) Procedure for permit transfer. (c) Renewal. (i) NMFS' Marine Recreational Fishing Vessel Directory Telephone Survey (conducted by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission); (ii) NMFS' Southeast Headboat Survey (as required by § 622.26(b)(1)); (iii) Texas Parks and Wildlife Marine Recreational Fishing Survey; or (iv) A data collection system that replaces one or more of the surveys in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section. (2) A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (d) Requirement to display a vessel decal. (e) Passenger capacity compliance requirement. (f) Procedure for conversion of permit with historical captain endorsement. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended 78 FR 46293, July 31, 2013; 85 FR 22045, Apr. 21, 2020; 85 FR 44019, July 21, 2020; 88 FR 42272, June 30, 2023; 91 FR 14482, Mar. 25, 2026] § 622.374 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators General reporting requirement Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (2) Reporting deadlines Charter vessels. (ii) Headboats. (3) Catastrophic conditions. Federal Register, (4) Compliance requirement. (c) Dealers. (2) Alternate SRD. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 6100, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020; 85 FR 44017, July 21, 2020; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025; 91 FR 14482, Mar. 25, 2026] § 622.375 Authorized and unauthorized gear. (a) Authorized gear King and Spanish mackerel. (i) King mackerel, Atlantic migratory group (B) South of 34°37.3′ N. lat.—automatic reel, bandit gear, handline, and rod and reel. (ii) King mackerel, Gulf migratory group (iii) Spanish mackerel, Atlantic migratory group (iv) Spanish mackerel, Gulf migratory group (2) Cobia, Gulf migratory group. (b) Unauthorized gear. (1) Long gillnets. (2) Drift gillnets. (3) Other unauthorized gear. (4) Exception for king mackerel in the Gulf EEZ. (i) Such vessel may not use unauthorized gear in a directed fishery for king mackerel in the Gulf EEZ. (ii) If such a vessel has a drift gillnet or a long gillnet on board or a run-around gillnet in an area other than the southern zone, no king mackerel may be possessed. (iii) If such a vessel has unauthorized gear on board other than a drift gillnet in the Gulf EEZ, a long gillnet, or a run-around gillnet in an area other than the southern zone, the possession of king mackerel taken incidentally is restricted only by the closure provisions of § 622.384(e) and the trip limits specified in § 622.385(a). See also § 622.379 regarding the purse seine catch allowances of king mackerel. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019] § 622.376 Gear identification. (a) Spanish mackerel gillnet buoys. i.e., (b) [Reserved] § 622.377 Gillnet restrictions. (a) Gillnets for king mackerel. (b) Gillnets for Spanish mackerel. (i) A vessel in the Gulf EEZ, or having fished on a trip in the Gulf EEZ, with a gillnet on board that has a mesh size less than 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), stretched mesh, may not possess on that trip any Spanish mackerel. (ii) A vessel in the South Atlantic or Mid-Atlantic EEZ, or having fished on a trip in such EEZ, with a gillnet on board that has a mesh size less than 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), stretched mesh, may possess or land on the day of that trip no more than 500 lb (227 kg) of incidentally caught Spanish mackerel. (2) On board a vessel with a valid Spanish mackerel permit that is fishing for Spanish mackerel in, or that possesses Spanish mackerel in or from, the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida north of 25°20.4′ N. lat., which is a line directly east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, FL, boundary— (i) No person may fish with, set, place in the water, or have on board a gillnet with a float line longer than 800 yd (732 m). (ii) No person may fish with, set, or place in the water more than one gillnet at any one time. (iii) No more than two gillnets, including any net in use, may be possessed at any one time, except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. If two gillnets, including any net in use, are possessed at any one time, they must have stretched mesh sizes (as allowed under the regulations) that differ by at least .25 inch (.64 cm), except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, in which case the vessel may possess two gillnets of the same mesh size provided that one of the nets is transferred to that vessel. (iv) No person may soak a gillnet for more than 1 hour. The soak period begins when the first mesh is placed in the water and ends either when the first mesh is retrieved back on board the vessel or the gathering of the gillnet is begun to facilitate retrieval on board the vessel, whichever occurs first; providing that, once the first mesh is retrieved or the gathering is begun, the retrieval is continuous until the gillnet is completely removed from the water. (v) The float line of each gillnet possessed, including any net in use, must have the distinctive floats specified in § 622.376(a). (vi) A portion of a gillnet may be transferred at sea only in the EEZ and only from a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel that has exceeded a trip limit specified in § 622.385 (b) to another vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel that has not yet reached the trip limit (the receiving vessel). Only one such transfer is allowed per vessel per day. In addition, to complete a legal transfer at sea, all of the following must apply: (A) All fish exceeding the applicable commercial trip limit may not be removed from the gillnet until the transfer is complete ( i.e., (B) The receiving vessel may possess no more than three gillnets on board after the transfer is complete. (C) Prior to cutting the gillnet and prior to any transfer of Spanish mackerel from one vessel to another, the owner or operator of both vessels must contact NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, St Petersburg, Florida, phone: 1-727-824-5344. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 68805, Nov. 19, 2014; 84 FR 47904, Sept. 11, 2019] § 622.378 Seasonal closures of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel gillnet fishery. (a) Seasonal closure of the gillnet component for Gulf migratory group king mackerel. (b) [Reserved] [80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015, as amended at 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017; 88 FR 61477, Sept. 7, 2023] § 622.379 Incidental catch allowances. (a) Purse seine incidental catch allowance. (b) Shark gillnet incidental catch allowance. (1) Northern zone. (2) Southern zone. [82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017, as amended at 82 FR 35660, Aug. 1, 2017] § 622.380 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-Atlantic EEZ, as appropriate, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. (a) Cobia Gulf migratory group. Gulf zone (ii) Florida east coast zone. (2) [Reserved] (b) King mackerel in the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-Atlantic—24 inches (61.0 cm), fork length, except that a vessel fishing under a quota for king mackerel specified in § 622.384(b) may possess undersized king mackerel in quantities not exceeding 5 percent, by weight, of the king mackerel on board. (c) Spanish mackerel in the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-Atlantic—12 inches (30.5 cm), fork length, except that a vessel fishing under a quota for Spanish mackerel specified in § 622.384(c) may possess undersized Spanish mackerel in quantities not exceeding 5 percent, by weight, of the Spanish mackerel on board. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 85 FR 10331, Feb. 24, 2020; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022] § 622.381 Landing fish intact. (a) Intact fish requirement. (b) Damaged king or Spanish mackerel. Commercial. (2) Recreational. [88 FR 29847, May 9, 2023] § 622.382 Bag and possession limits. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and possession limits. (a) King mackerel and Spanish mackerel Bag limits. (ii) Gulf migratory group king mackerel—3. (iii) Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel—15. (iv) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel—15. (v) Coastal migratory pelagic fish within certain South Atlantic SMZs—§ 622.11(a) notwithstanding, all harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish within the South Atlantic SMZs specified in § 622.182(a)(1)(i) through (xi) and (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix) is limited to the bag limits specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section. (2) Possession limits Possession limits for vessels with a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish. (ii) Possession limits for vessels with a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. (b) Gulf migratory group cobia Bag limits. (i) One fish per person per day, not to exceed 2 fish per vessel per trip. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017; 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 86 FR 11155, Feb. 24, 2021; 87 FR 23150, Apr. 19, 2022; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 88 FR 29847, May 9, 2023] § 622.383 [Reserved] § 622.384 Quotas. See § 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability and closure and reopening procedures. See § 622.369 for the descriptions of the zones. This section provides quotas and specific quota closure restrictions for coastal migratory pelagic fish. All weights are in round and eviscerated weight combined, unless specified otherwise. (a) King and Spanish mackerel quotas apply to persons who fish under commercial vessel permits for king or Spanish mackerel, as required under § 622.370(a)(1) or (3). A fish is counted against the quota for the area where it is caught, not where it is landed. (b) King mackerel Gulf migratory group. (i) Western zone. (ii) Northern zone. (iii) Southern zone. (B) The run-around gillnet quota is 629,664 lb (285,611 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 653,184 lb (296,279 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 671,328 lb (304,509 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years. (2) Atlantic migratory group. (i) Northern zone. (ii) Southern zone. (A) For the period March 1 through September 30, each year, the seasonal quota is 5,338,112 lb (2,421,327 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 4,622,024 lb (2,096,515 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 4,133,782 lb (1,875,052 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 3,792,012 lb (1,720,028 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 3,547,891 lb (1,609,296 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. (B) For the period October 1 through the end of February each year, the seasonal quota is 3,558,741 lb (1,614,218 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 3,081,349 lb (1,397,676 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 2,755,854 lb (1,250,034 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 2,528,008 lb (1,146,685 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 2,365,261 lb (1,072,864 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. (C) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section that was unused, will become void at the end of the fishing year and will not be added to any subsequent quota. (iii) Quota transfers. (A) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter from the state requesting the transfer, the RA shall notify the appropriate state officials of the disposition of the request. In evaluating requests to transfer a quota, the RA shall consider whether: ( 1 ( 2 (B) The transfer of quota will be valid only for the fishing year for which the request was made and does not permanently alter the quotas specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section. (3) Transit provisions applicable in areas closed due to a quota closure for king mackerel. (i) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck. (ii) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck. Terminal gear ( i.e., (c) Spanish mackerel Gulf migratory group. (2) Atlantic migratory group. (i) Northern zone (ii) Southern zone (iii) Quota transfers. (A) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter from the states involved, the RA shall notify the appropriate state officials of the disposition of the request. In evaluating requests to transfer a quota, the RA shall consider whether: ( 1 ( 2 (B) The transfer of quota will be valid only for the fishing year for which the request was made and does not permanently alter any zone's quota specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (c)(2)(ii) of this section. (d) Cobia Gulf migratory group Gulf zone. (ii) Florida east coast zone. (2) [Reserved] (e) Restrictions applicable after a quota closure. (2) The sale or purchase of king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, or cobia of the closed species, migratory group, zone, or gear type is prohibited, including any king or Spanish mackerel taken under the bag and possession limits specified in § 622.382(a), or cobia taken under the bag and possession limits specified in § 622.382(b). The prohibition on the sale or purchase during a closure for coastal migratory pelagic fish does not apply to coastal migratory pelagic fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the effective date of the closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 69060, Nov. 20, 2014; 80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017; 82 FR 35660, Aug. 1, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 87 FR 74990, Dec. 7, 2022; 88 FR 29848, May 9, 2023] § 622.385 Commercial trip limits. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit applicable to state waters. Except for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel harvested by gillnet, as specified in § 622.377(b)(2)(vi), a species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all weights are round or eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise): (a) King mackerel Atlantic migratory group. (i) North of 29°25′ N. lat., which is a line directly east from the Flagler/Volusia County, FL, boundary, king mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed from a vessel in a day in amounts exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). (ii) In the area between 29°25′ N lat., which is a line directly east from the Flagler/Volusia County, FL, boundary, and 28°47′48” N lat., which is a line directly east from the Volusia/Brevard County, FL, boundary, king mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed from a vessel in a day in amounts not to exceed: (A) From March 1 through March 31—75 fish. (B) From April 1 through September 30—3,500 lb (1,588 kg). (C) From October 1 through the end of February—100 fish. (iii) In the area between 28°47′48” N lat., which is a line directly east from the Volusia/Brevard County, FL, boundary, and 25°20′24” N lat., which is a line directly east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, FL, boundary, king mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed from a vessel in a day in amounts not to exceed: (A) From March 1 through March 31—75 fish. (B) From April 1 through September 30—75 fish, unless NMFS determines that 75 percent or more of the quota specified in § 622.384(b)(2)(ii)(A) has been landed, then, 50 fish. (C) From October 1 through the end of February—100 fish. (2) Gulf migratory group. (i) Southern zone Gillnet gear. 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 (B) Hook-and-line gear. (ii) Northern zone. (iii) Western zone. (b) Spanish mackerel Atlantic migratory group. (i) Northern zone. Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed in a day from a vessel for which a permit for Spanish mackerel has been issued, as required under § 622.370(a)(3), in amounts exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). (ii) Southern zone. Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed in a day from a vessel for which a permit for Spanish mackerel has been issued, as required under § 622.370(a)(3)— (A) From March 1 until 75 percent of the adjusted quota for the southern zone has been reached or is projected to be reached, in amounts exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). (B) After 75 percent of the adjusted quota for the southern zone has been reached or is projected to be reached, in amounts exceeding 1,500 lb (680 kg). (C) After 100 percent of the adjusted quota for the southern zone has been reached or is projected to be reached, and until the end of the fishing year or the southern zone's quota has been reached or is projected to be reached, in amounts exceeding 500 lb (227 kg). See § 622.384(e) for limitations regarding Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel after the southern zone's quota is reached. (2) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the adjusted quota for the southern zone is 2,417,330 lb (1,096,482 kg). The adjusted quota for the southern zone is the quota for the Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel southern zone reduced by an amount calculated to allow continued harvest of Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel at the rate of 500 lb (227 kg) per vessel per day for the remainder of the fishing year after the adjusted quota is reached. Total commercial harvest in the southern zone is still subject to the southern zone quota and accountability measures. By filing a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, the Assistant Administrator will announce when 75 percent and 100 percent of the adjusted quota are reached or are projected to be reached. (3) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, a day starts at 6 a.m., local time, and extends for 24 hours. If a vessel terminates a trip prior to 6 a.m., but retains Spanish mackerel on board after that time, the Spanish mackerel retained on board will not be considered in possession during the succeeding day, provided the vessel is not underway between 6 a.m. and the time such Spanish mackerel are unloaded, and provided such Spanish mackerel are unloaded prior to 6 p.m. (c) Cobia. (2) Gulf migratory group. (i) Gulf zone and Florida east coast zone. (ii) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 68805, Nov. 19, 2014; 79 FR 69090, Nov. 20, 2014; 80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2014; 80 FR 40937, July 14, 2015; 80 FR 78675, Dec. 17, 2015; 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 84 FR 47904, Sept. 11, 2019; 84 FR 51438, Sept. 30, 2019; 85 FR 55594, Sept. 9, 2020; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022] § 622.386 Restrictions on sale/purchase. The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions on the sale or purchase related to commercial quota closures as specified in § 622.384(e)(2). (a) King and Spanish mackerel. (b) Coastal migratory pelagic fish harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid Federal commercial vessel permit or a charter vessel/headboat permit may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.370(c)(1). (c) Dealer receipt of fish. (d) Cut-off (damaged) king or Spanish mackerel. (e) State-permitted tournaments. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 FR 35660, Aug. 1, 2017; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022] § 622.387 [Reserved] § 622.388 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). All weights are in round and eviscerated weight combined, unless specified otherwise. (a) Gulf migratory group king mackerel Commercial sector. (ii) The commercial ACL for the Gulf migratory group of king mackerel is 2,998,400 lb (1,360,051 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 3,110,400 lb (1,410,854 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 3,196,800 lb (1,450,044 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years. The ACL is further divided into a commercial ACL for vessels fishing with hook-and-line and a commercial ACL for vessels fishing with run-around gillnets. The hook-and-line ACL (which applies to the entire Gulf) is 2,368,736 lb (1,074,441 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 2,457,216 lb (1,114,574 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 2,525,472 lb (1,145,535 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years. The run-around gillnet ACL (which applies to the southern zone) is 629,664 lb (285,611 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 653,184 lb (296,279 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 671,328 lb (304,509 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years. (iii) If commercial landings of Gulf migratory group king mackerel caught by run-around gillnet in the southern zone, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for king mackerel harvested by run-around gillnet in the southern zone in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (2) Recreational sector. (3) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will be monitored based on the commercial fishing year. (b) Atlantic migratory group king mackerel Commercial sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group king mackerel are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial quota for that zone for that following year by the amount of any commercial sector overage in the prior fishing year for that zone. (iii) The commercial ACL for the Atlantic migratory group of king mackerel is 11,560,360 lb (5,243,691 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 10,009,580 lb (4,540,269 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 8,952,230 lb (4,060,663 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 8,212,085 lb (3,724,939 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 7,683,410 lb (3,485,136 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. (2) Recreational sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group king mackerel are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the recreational ACL and ACT for that following year by the amount of any recreational sector overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will be evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, March through February. Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. (3) The stock ACL for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel is 31,160,000 lb (14,133,938 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 26,980,000 lb (12,237,922 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 24,130,000 lb (10,945,184 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 22,135,000 lb (10,040,267 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 20,710,000 lb (9,393,898 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. (c) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel. (2) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will be evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, April through March. (3) The stock ACL for Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel is 12.7 million lb (5.76 million kg) for the 2014-2015 fishing year, 11.8 million lb (5.35 million kg) for the 2015-2016 fishing year, and 11.3 million lb (5.13 million kg) for the 2016-2017 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. (d) Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel Commercial sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial quota for that zone for that following year by the amount of any commercial sector overage in the prior fishing year for that zone. (iii) The commercial ACL for the Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel is 3.33 million lb (1.51 million kg). (2) Recreational sector. (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the recreational ACT for that following year by the amount of any recreational sector overage in the prior fishing year. (iii) For purposes of tracking the ACL and ACT, recreational landings will be evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, March through February. Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. (3) The stock ACL for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel is 6.063 million lb (2.76 million kg). (e) Gulf migratory group cobia Gulf zone. (ii) The stock ACLs for Gulf migratory group cobia in the Gulf zone are 1,638,000 lb (742,984 kg) for 2022, and 1,738,800 lb (788,706 kg) for 2023 and subsequent fishing years. (2) Florida east coast zone The following ACLs and AMs apply to cobia that are sold. (B) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) of this section, if the sum of cobia landings that are sold and not sold in or from the Florida east coast zone, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL for the Florida east coast zone, as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, and Gulf migratory group cobia are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the quota (ACL) for the Florida east coast zone cobia that are sold for that following year by the amount of any overage in the prior fishing year. (ii) The following ACLs and AMs apply to cobia that are not sold. (A) If the sum of cobia landings that are sold and not sold, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the length of the following fishing season by the amount necessary to ensure landings may achieve the applicable ACT, but do not exceed the applicable ACL in the following fishing year. Further, during that following year, if necessary, the AA may file additional notification with the Office of the Federal Register to readjust the reduced fishing season to ensure harvest achieves the ACT but does not exceed the ACL. The applicable ACTs for the Florida east coast zone of cobia are 796,536 lb (361,303 kg) for 2022, and 845,554 lb (383,537 kg) for 2023 and subsequent fishing years. The applicable ACLs for the Florida east coast zone of cobia are 885,040 lb (401,447 kg) for 2022, and 939,504 lb (426,152 kg) for 2023 and subsequent fishing years. (B) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, if the sum of the cobia landings that are sold and not sold in or from the Florida east coast zone, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, and Gulf migratory group cobia are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the applicable ACL and applicable ACT for the Florida east coast zone for that following year by the amount of any ACL overage in the prior fishing year. (C) Landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. (iii) Stock ACLs. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 69060, Nov. 20, 2014; 80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2015; 80 FR 10007, Feb. 25, 2015; 80 FR 78675, Dec. 17, 2015; 82 FR 17399, Apr. 11, 2017; 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 4737, Feb. 19, 2019; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 87 FR 74990, Dec. 7, 2023; 88 FR 29848, May 9, 2023] § 622.389 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources, the RA may establish or modify, and the applicable council is required to approve, the following items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for coastal migratory pelagic fish. (Note: The applicable council refers to the council whose jurisdiction applies to the management measures.) (a) For a species or species group: Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits (including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas and reopenings, acceptable biological catches (ABCs) and ABC control rules, annual catch limits (ACLs) and ACL control rules, accountability measures (AMs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and identification, vessel markings and identification, rebuilding plans, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (maintaining fish in whole condition, use as bait). (b) [Reserved] [80 FR 4224, Jan. 27, 2015] Subpart R—Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of America and South Atlantic § 622.400 Permits and fees. (a) Applicability Licenses, certificates, and permits EEZ off Florida and spiny lobster landed in Florida. (ii) EEZ other than off Florida. (2) Tail-separation permits. (3) Corporation/partnership-owned vessels. (4) Operator-qualified permits. (5) Dealer permits and conditions Permits. (ii) State license and facility requirements. (b) Applications for permits. (2) An applicant must provide the following information: (i) A copy of the vessel's U.S. Coast Guard certificate of documentation or, if not documented, a copy of its state registration certificate. (ii) The vessel's name and official number. (iii) Name, mailing address including zip code, telephone number, social security number, and date of birth of the owner (if the owner is a corporation/partnership, in lieu of the social security number, provide the employer identification number, if one has been assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, and, in lieu of the date of birth, provide the date the corporation/partnership was formed). (iv) If the owner does not meet the earned income qualification specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section and the operator does meet that qualification, the name, mailing address including zip code, telephone number, social security number, and date of birth of the operator. (v) Information concerning vessel, gear used, fishing areas, and fisheries vessel is used in, as requested by the RA and included on the application form. (vi) A sworn statement by the applicant for a vessel permit certifying that at least 10 percent of his or her earned income was derived from commercial fishing, that is, sale of the catch, during the calendar year preceding the application. (vii) Documentation supporting the statement of income, if required under paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (viii) If a tail-separation permit is desired, a sworn statement by the applicant certifying that his or her fishing activity— (A) Is routinely conducted in the EEZ on trips of 48 hours or more; and (B) Necessitates the separation of carapace and tail to maintain a quality product. (ix) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit. (3) The RA may require the applicant to provide documentation supporting the sworn statement under paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section before a permit is issued or to substantiate why such permit should not be revoked or otherwise sanctioned under paragraph (i) of this section. Such required documentation may include copies of appropriate forms and schedules from the applicant's income tax return. Copies of income tax forms and schedules are treated as confidential. (c) Change in application information. (d) Fees. (e) Issuance. (2) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the RA will notify the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of notification, the application will be considered abandoned. (f) Duration. (g) Transfer. (h) Display. (i) Sanctions and denials. (j) Alteration. (k) Replacement. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014; 84 FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.401 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Dealers. (b) [Reserved] [79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014] § 622.402 Vessel and gear identification. (a) EEZ off Florida. (2) An owner or operator of a vessel that is used to harvest spiny lobster by diving in the EEZ off Florida must comply with the vessel identification requirements applicable to the harvesting of spiny lobsters by diving in Florida's waters in Rule 68B-24.006(6), Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see § 622.19). (3) An owner or operator of a vessel that is used to harvest spiny lobster by bully net in the EEZ off Florida must comply with the vessel identification requirements applicable to the harvesting of spiny lobsters by bully net in Florida's waters in Rule 68B-24.006(7), Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see § 622.19). (b) EEZ other than off Florida. (i) The vessel's Florida crawfish license or trap number or, if not licensed by Florida, the vessel's Federal vessel permit number must be permanently and conspicuously displayed horizontally on the uppermost structural portion of the vessel in numbers at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) high so as to be readily identifiable from the air and water; (ii) If the vessel uses spiny lobster traps in the EEZ, other than off Florida— (A) The vessel's color code, as assigned by Florida or, if a color code has not been assigned by Florida, as assigned by the RA, must be permanently and conspicuously displayed above the number specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section so as to be readily identifiable from the air and water, such color code being in the form of a circle at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter on a background of colors contrasting to those contained in the assigned color code; (B) A buoy or timed-release buoy of such strength and buoyancy to float must be attached to each spiny lobster trap or at each end of a string of traps; (C) A buoy used to mark spiny lobster traps must bear the vessel's assigned color code and be of such color, hue, and brilliancy as to be easily distinguished, seen, and located; (D) A buoy used to mark spiny lobster traps must bear the vessel's Florida crawfish license or trap number or, if not licensed by Florida, the vessel's Federal vessel permit number in numbers at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) high; and (E) A spiny lobster trap must bear the vessel's Florida crawfish license or trap number or, if not licensed by Florida, the vessel's Federal vessel permit number permanently and legibly affixed. (2) A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ, other than off Florida, will be presumed to be the property of the most recently documented owner. Upon the sale or transfer of a spiny lobster trap used in the EEZ, other than off Florida, within 5 days of acquiring ownership, the person acquiring ownership must notify the Florida Division of Law Enforcement of the Department of Environmental Protection for a trap that bears a Florida crawfish license or trap number, or the RA, for a trap that bears a Federal vessel permit number, as to the number of traps purchased, the vendor, and the crawfish license or trap number, or Federal vessel permit number, currently displayed on the traps, and must request issuance of a crawfish license or trap number, or Federal vessel permit, if the acquiring owner does not possess such license or trap number or permit. (c) Unmarked traps and buoys. (1) EEZ off Florida. (2) EEZ other than off Florida. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.403 Seasons. (a) EEZ off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida. (b) EEZ off Florida and off the Gulf states, other than Florida Commercial and recreational fishing season. (2) Special recreational fishing seasons EEZ off Florida. (ii) EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida. (3) Possession of traps. (ii) In the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, a spiny lobster trap may be placed in the water prior to the commercial and recreational fishing season, which is specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, beginning on August 1 and must be removed from the water after such season not later than April 5. A spiny lobster trap, buoy, or rope in the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, during periods not authorized in this paragraph will be considered unclaimed or abandoned property and may be disposed of in any manner considered appropriate by the Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer. An owner of such trap, buoy, or rope remains subject to appropriate civil penalties. (4) Possession of spiny lobsters. (c) Primacy of seasonal restrictions in the EEZ off Florida. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.404 Prohibited gear and methods. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) A spiny lobster may not be taken in the EEZ with a spear, hook, or similar device, or gear containing such devices. In the EEZ, the possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured spiny lobster is prima facie (b) A spiny lobster may not be taken in a directed fishery by the use of a net or trawl. See § 622.408(b)(4) for the bycatch limits applicable to a vessel that uses or has on board a net or trawl. (c) Poisons and explosives may not be used to take a spiny lobster in the EEZ. For the purposes of this paragraph (c), chlorine, bleach, and similar substances, which are used to flush a spiny lobster out of rocks or coral, are poisons. A vessel in the spiny lobster fishery may not possess on board in the EEZ any dynamite or similar explosive substance. (d) Except for black sea bass pots and golden crab traps as allowed in § 622.188 and § 622.248, respectively, the possession of all other traps is prohibited onboard a vessel in the South Atlantic EEZ when spiny lobster subject to the recreational bag and possession limits specified in § 622.408 is also onboard the vessel. The recreational harvest of spiny lobster using a trap is prohibited in the South Atlantic EEZ. (e) In the EEZ off Florida, simultaneous possession of a bully net and any underwater breathing apparatus, not including dive masks or snorkels, onboard a vessel used to harvest or transport spiny lobster for commercial purposes is prohibited in accordance with Rule 68B-24.007(5), Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see § 622.19). For the purpose of this paragraph, an “underwater breathing apparatus” is any apparatus, whether self-contained or connected to a distant source of air or other gas, whereby a person wholly or partially submerged in water is able to obtain or reuse air or any other gas or gasses for breathing without returning to the surface of the water. (f) In the EEZ off Florida, vessels that are or are required to be marked with or have identification associated with a bully net permit for the harvest of spiny lobster are prohibited from having trap pullers aboard, in accordance with Rule 68B-24.006(8), the Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see § 622.19). [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018; 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.405 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions. (a) Construction specifications. (b) Tending restrictions. (2) A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ may be pulled or tended only by the owner's vessel, except that permission to pull or work traps belonging to another person may be granted— (i) For traps in the EEZ off Florida, by the Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in accordance with the procedures in Rule 68B-24.006(9), Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see § 622.19). (ii) For traps in the EEZ, other than off Florida, by the RA, as may be arranged upon written request. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.406 Areas closed to lobster trap gear. (a) Fishing with spiny lobster trap gear is prohibited year-round in the following areas bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed. (1) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 1. Point North lat. West long. A 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′00.000″ B 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′19.994″ C 24°31′29.999″ 81°31′19.994″ D 24°31′29.999″ 81°31′00.000″ A 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′00.000″ (2) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 2. Point North lat. West long. A 24°31′20.205″ 81°30′17.213″ B 24°31′17.858″ 81°30′27.700″ C 24°31′27.483″ 81°30′30.204″ D 24°31′29.831″ 81°30′19.483″ A 24°31′20.205″ 81°30′17.213″ (3) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 3. Point North lat. West long. A 24°31′42.665″ 81°30′02.892″ B 24°31′45.013″ 81°29′52.093″ C 24°31′34.996″ 81°29′49.745″ D 24°31′32.335″ 81°30′00.466″ A 24°31′42.665″ 81°30′02.892″ (4) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 4. Point North lat. West long. A 24°31′50.996″ 81°28′39.999″ B 24°31′50.996″ 81°29′03.002″ C 24°31′56.998″ 81°29′03.002″ D 24°31′56.998″ 81°28′39.999″ A 24°31′50.996″ 81°28′39.999″ (5) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 5. Point North lat. West long. A 24°32′20.014″ 81°26′20.390″ B 24°32′13.999″ 81°26′41.999″ C 24°32′27.004″ 81°26′45.611″ D 24°32′33.005″ 81°26′23.995″ A 24°32′20.014″ 81°26′20.390″ (6) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 6. Point North lat. West long. A 24°32′30.011″ 81°24′47.000″ B 24°32′23.790″ 81°24′56.558″ C 24°32′45.997″ 81°25′10.998″ D 24°32′52.218″ 81°25′01.433″ A 24°32′30.011″ 81°24′47.000″ (7) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 7. Point North lat. West long. A 24°32′46.834″ 81°27′17.615″ B 24°32′41.835″ 81°27′35.619″ C 24°32′54.003″ 81°27′38.997″ D 24°32′59.002″ 81°27′21.000″ A 24°32′46.834″ 81°27′17.615″ (8) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 8. Point North lat. West long. A 24°33′10.002″ 81°25′50.995″ B 24°33′04.000″ 81°26′18.996″ C 24°33′17.253″ 81°26′21.839″ D 24°33′23.254″ 81°25′53.838″ A 24°33′10.002″ 81°25′50.995″ (9) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 9. Point North lat. West long. A 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′31.998″ B 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′41.000″ C 24°33′29.008″ 81°30′41.000″ D 24°33′29.008″ 81°30′31.998″ A 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′31.998″ (10) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 10. Point North lat. West long. A 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′00.000″ B 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′09.998″ C 24°33′41.999″ 81°30′09.998″ D 24°33′41.999″ 81°30′00.000″ A 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′00.000″ (11) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 11. Point North lat. West long. A 24°33′50.376″ 81°23′35.039″ B 24°33′27.003″ 81°24′51.003″ C 24°33′40.008″ 81°24′54.999″ D 24°34′03.382″ 81°23′39.035″ A 24°33′50.376″ 81°23′35.039″ (12) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 12. Point North lat. West long. A 24°34′00.003″ 81°19′29.996″ B 24°34′00.003″ 81°20′04.994″ C 24°34′24.997″ 81°20′04.994″ D 24°34′24.997″ 81°19′29.996″ A 24°34′00.003″ 81°19′29.996″ (13) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 13. Point North lat. West long. A 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′25.002″ B 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′34.999″ C 24°35′29.006″ 81°14′34.999″ D 24°35′29.006″ 81°14′25.002″ A 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′25.002″ (14) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 14. Point North lat. West long. A 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′47.000″ B 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′58.000″ C 24°44′47.002″ 80°46′58.000″ D 24°44′47.002″ 80°46′47.000″ A 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′47.000″ (15) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 15. Point North lat. West long. A 24°49′53.946″ 80°38′17.646″ B 24°48′32.331″ 80°40′15.530″ C 24°48′44.389″ 80°40′23.879″ D 24°50′06.004″ 80°38′26.003″ A 24°49′53.946″ 80°38′17.646″ (16) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 16. Point North lat. West long. A 24°53′32.085″ 80°33′22.065″ B 24°53′38.992″ 80°33′14.670″ C 24°53′31.673″ 80°33′07.155″ D 24°53′24.562″ 80°33′14.886″ A 24°53′32.085″ 80°33′22.065″ (17) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 17. Point North lat. West long. A 24°53′33.410″ 80°32′50.247″ B 24°53′40.149″ 80°32′42.309″ C 24°53′32.418″ 80°32′35.653″ D 24°53′25.348″ 80°32′43.302″ A 24°53′33.410″ 80°32′50.247″ (18) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 18. Point North lat. West long. A 24°54′06.317″ 80°32′34.115″ B 24°53′59.368″ 80°32′41.542″ C 24°54′06.667″ 80°32′48.994″ D 24°54′13.917″ 80°32′41.238″ A 24°54′06.317″ 80°32′34.115″ (19) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 19. Point North lat. West long. A 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′33.995″ B 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′45.002″ C 24°54′36.006″ 80°31′45.002″ D 24°54′36.006″ 80°31′33.995″ A 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′33.995″ (20) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 20. Point North lat. West long. A 24°56′21.104″ 80°28′52.331″ B 24°56′17.012″ 80°29′05.995″ C 24°56′26.996″ 80°29′08.996″ D 24°56′31.102″ 80°28′55.325″ A 24°56′21.104″ 80°28′52.331″ (21) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 21. Point North lat. West long. A 24°56′53.006″ 80°27′46.997″ B 24°56′21.887″ 80°28′25.367″ C 24°56′35.002″ 80°28′36.003″ D 24°57′06.107″ 80°27′57.626″ A 24°56′53.006″ 80°27′46.997″ (22) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 22. Point North lat. West long. A 24°57′35.001″ 80°27′14.999″ B 24°57′28.011″ 80°27′21.000″ C 24°57′33.999″ 80°27′27.997″ D 24°57′40.200″ 80°27′21.106″ A 24°57′35.001″ 80°27′14.999″ (23) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 23. Point North lat. West long. A 24°58′58.154″ 80°26′03.911″ B 24°58′48.005″ 80°26′10.001″ C 24°58′52.853″ 80°26′18.090″ D 24°59′03.002″ 80°26′11.999″ A 24°58′58.154″ 80°26′03.911″ (24) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 24. Point North lat. West long. A 24°59′17.009″ 80°24′32.999″ B 24°58′41.001″ 80°25′21.998″ C 24°58′57.591″ 80°25′34.186″ D 24°59′33.598″ 80°24′45.187″ A 24°59′17.009″ 80°24′32.999″ (25) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 25. Point North lat. West long. A 24°59′44.008″ 80°25′38.999″ B 24°59′27.007″ 80°25′48.997″ C 24°59′32.665″ 80°25′58.610″ D 24°59′49.666″ 80°25′48.612″ A 24°59′44.008″ 80°25′38.999″ (26) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 26. Point North lat. West long. A 25°01′00.006″ 80°21′55.002″ B 25°01′00.006″ 80°22′11.996″ C 25°01′18.010″ 80°22′11.996″ D 25°01′18.010″ 80°21′55.002″ A 25°01′00.006″ 80°21′55.002″ (27) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 27. Point North lat. West long. A 25°01′34.997″ 80°23′12.998″ B 25°01′18.010″ 80°23′44.000″ C 25°01′22.493″ 80°23′46.473″ D 25°01′36.713″ 80°23′37.665″ E 25°01′46.657″ 80°23′19.390″ A 25°01′34.997″ 80°23′12.998″ (28) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 28. Point North lat. West long. A 25°01′38.005″ 80°21′25.998″ B 25°01′28.461″ 80°21′46.158″ C 25°01′45.009″ 80°21′53.999″ D 25°01′54.553″ 80°21′33.839″ A 25°01′38.005″ 80°21′25.998″ (29) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 29. Point North lat. West long. A 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′08.995″ B 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′17.997″ C 25°02′01.008″ 80°23′17.997″ D 25°02′01.008″ 80°23′08.995″ A 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′08.995″ (30) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 30. Point North lat. West long. A 25°02′20.000″ 80°22′11.001″ B 25°02′10.003″ 80°22′50.002″ C 25°02′22.252″ 80°22′53.140″ D 25°02′32.250″ 80°22′14.138″ A 25°02′20.000″ 80°22′11.001″ (31) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 31. Point North lat. West long. A 25°02′29.503″ 80°20′30.503″ B 25°02′16.498″ 80°20′43.501″ C 25°02′24.999″ 80°20′52.002″ D 25°02′38.004″ 80°20′38.997″ A 25°02′29.503″ 80°20′30.503″ (32) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 32. Point North lat. West long. A 25°02′34.008″ 80°21′57.000″ B 25°02′34.008″ 80°22′14.997″ C 25°02′50.007″ 80°22′14.997″ D 25°02′50.007″ 80°21′57.000″ A 25°02′34.008″ 80°21′57.000″ (33) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 33. Point North lat. West long. A 25°03′11.294″ 80°21′36.864″ B 25°03′02.540″ 80°21′43.143″ C 25°03′08.999″ 80°21′51.994″ D 25°03′17.446″ 80°21′45.554″ A 25°03′11.294″ 80°21′36.864″ (34) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 34. Point North lat. West long. A 25°03′30.196″ 80°21′34.263″ B 25°03′39.267″ 80°21′29.506″ C 25°03′35.334″ 80°21′19.801″ D 25°03′26.200″ 80°21′24.304″ A 25°03′30.196″ 80°21′34.263″ (35) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 35. Point North lat. West long. A 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′43.001″ B 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′54.997″ C 25°03′41.011″ 80°19′54.997″ D 25°03′41.011″ 80°19′43.001″ A 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′43.001″ (36) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 36. Point North lat. West long. A 25°07′03.008″ 80°17′57.999″ B 25°07′03.008″ 80°18′10.002″ C 25°07′14.997″ 80°18′10.002″ D 25°07′14.997″ 80°17′57.999″ A 25°07′03.008″ 80°17′57.999″ (37) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 37. Point North lat. West long. A 25°07′51.156″ 80°17′27.910″ B 25°07′35.857″ 80°17′37.091″ C 25°07′43.712″ 80°17′50.171″ D 25°07′59.011″ 80°17′40.998″ A 25°07′51.156″ 80°17′27.910″ (38) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 38. Point North lat. West long. A 25°08′12.002″ 80°17′09.996″ B 25°07′55.001″ 80°17′26.997″ C 25°08′04.998″ 80°17′36.995″ D 25°08′22.000″ 80°17′20.000″ A 25°08′12.002″ 80°17′09.996″ (39) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 39. Point North lat. West long. A 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′34.001″ B 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′45.997″ C 25°08′29.003″ 80°17′45.997″ D 25°08′29.003″ 80°17′34.001″ A 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′34.001″ (40) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 40. Point North lat. West long. A 25°08′45.002″ 80°15′50.002″ B 25°08′37.999″ 80°15′56.998″ C 25°08′42.009″ 80°16′00.995″ D 25°08′48.999″ 80°15′53.998″ A 25°08′45.002″ 80°15′50.002″ (41) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 41. Point North lat. West long. A 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′24.999″ B 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′35.999″ C 25°09′09.007″ 80°17′35.999″ D 25°09′09.007″ 80°17′24.999″ A 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′24.999″ (42) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 42. Point North lat. West long. A 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′00.000″ B 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′09.997″ C 25°09′20.996″ 80°16′09.997″ D 25°09′20.996″ 80°16′00.000″ A 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′00.000″ (43) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 43. Point North lat. West long. A 25°09′28.316″ 80°17′03.713″ B 25°09′14.006″ 80°17′17.000″ C 25°09′21.697″ 80°17′25.280″ D 25°09′36.006″ 80°17′12.001″ A 25°09′28.316″ 80°17′03.713″ (44) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 44. Point North lat. West long. A 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′06.000″ B 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′17.000″ C 25°10′09.995″ 80°16′17.000″ D 25°10′09.995″ 80°16′06.000″ A 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′06.000″ (45) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 45. Point North lat. West long. A 25°10′29.002″ 80°15′52.995″ B 25°10′29.002″ 80°16′04.002″ C 25°10′37.997″ 80°16′04.002″ D 25°10′37.997″ 80°15′52.995″ A 25°10′29.002″ 80°15′52.995″ (46) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 46. Point North lat. West long. A 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′25.997″ B 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′38.000″ C 25°11′20.006″ 80°14′38.000″ D 25°11′20.006″ 80°14′25.997″ A 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′25.997″ (47) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 47. Point North lat. West long. A 25°12′00.998″ 80°13′24.996″ B 25°11′43.008″ 80°13′35.000″ C 25°11′48.007″ 80°13′44.002″ D 25°12′06.011″ 80°13′33.998″ A 25°12′00.998″ 80°13′24.996″ (48) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 48. Point North lat. West long. A 25°12′18.343″ 80°14′32.768″ B 25°12′02.001″ 80°14′44.001″ C 25°12′07.659″ 80°14′52.234″ D 25°12′24.001″ 80°14′41.001″ A 25°12′18.343″ 80°14′32.768″ (49) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 49. Point North lat. West long. A 25°15′23.998″ 80°12′29.000″ B 25°15′04.676″ 80°12′36.120″ C 25°15′09.812″ 80°12′50.066″ D 25°15′29.148″ 80°12′42.946″ A 25°15′23.998″ 80°12′29.000″ (50) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 50. Point North lat. West long. A 25°16′01.997″ 80°12′32.996″ B 25°15′33.419″ 80°12′52.394″ C 25°15′44.007″ 80°13′08.001″ D 25°16′12.585″ 80°12′48.597″ A 25°16′01.997″ 80°12′32.996″ (51) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 51. Point North lat. West long. A 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′30.001″ B 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′41.001″ C 25°16′34.425″ 80°13′41.026″ D 25°16′41.850″ 80°13′37.475″ E 25°16′42.001″ 80°13′30.001″ A 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′30.001″ (52) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 52. Point North lat. West long. A 25°17′04.715″ 80°12′11.305″ B 25°16′17.007″ 80°12′27.997″ C 25°16′23.997″ 80°12′47.999″ D 25°17′11.705″ 80°12′31.300″ A 25°17′04.715″ 80°12′11.305″ (53) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 53. Point North lat. West long. A 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′40.000″ B 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′49.997″ C 25°17′33.005″ 80°12′49.997″ D 25°17′33.005″ 80°12′40.000″ A 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′40.000″ (54) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 54. Point North lat. West long. A 25°20′57.996″ 80°09′50.000″ B 25°20′57.996″ 80°10′00.000″ C 25°21′07.005″ 80°10′00.000″ D 25°21′07.005″ 80°09′50.000″ A 25°20′57.996″ 80°09′50.000″ (55) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 55. Point North lat. West long. A 25°21′45.004″ 80°09′51.998″ B 25°21′38.124″ 80°09′56.722″ C 25°21′49.124″ 80°10′12.728″ D 25°21′56.004″ 80°10′07.997″ A 25°21′45.004″ 80°09′51.998″ (56) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 56. Point North lat. West long. A 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′21.999″ B 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′31.996″ C 25°21′58.998″ 80°09′31.996″ D 25°21′58.998″ 80°09′21.999″ A 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′21.999″ (57) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 57. Point North lat. West long. A 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′36.997″ B 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′48.999″ C 25°24′41.005″ 80°07′48.999″ D 25°24′41.005″ 80°07′36.997″ A 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′36.997″ (58) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 58. Point North lat. West long. A 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′27.995″ B 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′44.001″ C 25°25′26.008″ 80°07′44.001″ D 25°25′26.008″ 80°07′27.995″ A 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′27.995″ (59) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 59. Point North lat. West long. A 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′39.999″ B 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′50.999″ C 25°35′24.007″ 80°05′50.999″ D 25°35′24.007″ 80°05′39.999″ A 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′39.999″ (60) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 60. Point North lat. West long. A 25°40′57.003″ 80°05′43.000″ B 25°40′57.003″ 80°05′54.000″ C 25°41′06.550″ 80°05′53.980″ D 25°41′18.136″ 80°05′49.158″ E 25°41′18.001″ 80°05′43.000″ A 25°40′57.003″ 80°05′43.000″ (b) [Reserved] § 622.407 Minimum size limits and other harvest limitations. (a) Minimum size limits. (i) No person may possess a spiny lobster in or from the EEZ with a carapace length of 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) or less; and (ii) A spiny lobster, harvested in the EEZ by means other than diving, with a carapace length of 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) or less must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. (2) No person may harvest or attempt to harvest a spiny lobster by diving in the EEZ unless he or she possesses, while in the water, a measuring device capable of measuring the carapace length. A spiny lobster captured by a diver must be measured in the water using such measuring device and, if the spiny lobster has a carapace length of 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) or less, it must be released unharmed immediately without removal from the water. (3) Aboard a vessel authorized under paragraph (d) of this section to possess a separated spiny lobster tail, no person may possess in or from the EEZ a separated spiny lobster tail with a tail length less than 5.5 inches (13.97 cm). (b) Berried lobsters. (c) Undersized attractants. 3/4 (d) Tail separation. (2) Spiny lobster must be landed either all whole or all tailed on a single fishing trip. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018] § 622.408 Bag/possession limits. (a) EEZ off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida. (b) EEZ off Florida and off the Gulf states, other than Florida Commercial and recreational fishing season. (2) Special recreational fishing seasons. (i) In or from the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, is six per person; (ii) In or from the EEZ off Florida other than off Monroe County, Florida, is twelve per person; and (iii) In or from the EEZ off Monroe County, Florida, is six per person. (3) Exemption from the bag/possession limit. (i) The harvest of spiny lobsters is by diving, or by the use of a bully net, hoop net, or spiny lobster trap; and (ii) The vessel from which the person is operating has on board the required licenses, certificates, or permits, as specified in § 622.400(a)(1). (4) Harvest by net or trawl. (5) Harvest by diving. (ii) Diving at night. (6) Harvest by bully nets in the EEZ off Florida. (c) Combination of bag/possession limits. (d) Responsibility for bag/possession limits. (e) Transfer at sea. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019] § 622.409 Spiny lobster import prohibitions. (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 5-ounce (142-gram) tail weight into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a 5-ounce (142-gram) tail weight is defined as a tail that weighs 4.2-5.4 ounces (119-153 grams). If the documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster (including but not limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage forms, or commercial invoices) indicates that the product does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster actually does satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of greater than 3.0 inches (7.62 cm). If the imported product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of greater than 3.0 inches (7.62 cm). If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be considered to be in compliance with the minimum 5-ounce (142-gram) tail-weight requirement. (2) See subparts S, T, and U of this part for the more restrictive minimum size limits that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively. (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions Prohibition related to tail meat. (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022] § 622.410 Restrictions within the Tortugas marine reserves. The following activities are prohibited within the Tortugas marine reserves: Fishing for any species and anchoring by fishing vessels. (a) EEZ portion of Tortugas North. (b) Tortugas South. Point North lat. West long. A 24°33′00″ 83°09′00″ B 24°33′00″ 83°05′00″ C 24°18′00″ 83°05′00″ D 24°18′00″ 83°09′00″ A 24°33′00″ 83°09′00″ § 622.411 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). For recreational and commercial spiny lobster landings combined, the ACL is 9.60 million lb (4.35 million kg), whole weight. The ACT is 8.64 million lb, (3.92 million kg) whole weight. [83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018] § 622.412 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf and South Atlantic, the RA may establish or modify the following items: (a) Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits, size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons, closed areas, reopening of sectors that have been prematurely closed, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas, accountability measures (AMs), maximum sustainable yield (or proxy), optimum yield, total allowable catch (TAC), management parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions, gear markings and identification, vessel identification requirements, acceptable biological catch (ABC) and ABC control rule, rebuilding plans, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (such as tailing lobster, undersized attractants, and use as bait). (b) [Reserved] [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] §§ 622.413-622.414 [Reserved] § 622.415 Limited exemption regarding harvest in waters of a foreign nation. (a) An owner or operator of a vessel that has legally harvested spiny lobsters in the waters of a foreign nation and possesses spiny lobster, or separated tails, in the EEZ incidental to such foreign harvesting is exempt from the requirements of this subpart, except for § 622.409 with which such an owner or operator must comply, provided proof of lawful harvest in the waters of a foreign nation accompanies such lobsters or tails. (b) [Reserved] [84 FR 37153, July 31, 2019] § 622.416 Restrictions on sale/purchase. (a) Spiny lobster harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for spiny lobster, as required under § 622.400(a)(1), or a valid Federal tail-separation permit for spiny lobster, as required under § 622.400(a)(2), may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.400(a)(5). (b) Spiny lobster harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.400(a)(5), only from a vessel that has a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for spiny lobster or a valid Federal tail-separation permit for spiny lobster. [79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014] Subpart S—FMP for the EEZ around Puerto Rico Source: 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, unless otherwise noted. § 622.430 Management area. The management area is the EEZ around Puerto Rico bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points and geographic instructions in order: Table 1 to § 622.430 Point North lat. West long. A (intersects with the international and EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ B 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ From Point B proceed southerly along the 3-nautical mile territorial boundary of the St. Thomas and St. John island group to Point C C 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ E 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ F 16°02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″ From Point F proceed along the international and EEZ boundary southwesterly, then northerly, then easterly, and finally southerly to Point A A (intersects with the International and EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ § 622.431 Definitions. In addition to the definitions and acronyms in § 622.2, the terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings: Coral Coral reef resource Pelagic fish Table 1 to § 622.431 Class or Family Scientific name English common name Dolphinfishes—Coryphaenidae Coryphaena hippurus Dolphinfish. Coryphaena equiselis Pompano dolphinfish. Barracudas—Sphyraenidae Sphyraena barracuda Great barracuda. Mackerels and tunas—Scombridae Thunnus atlanticus Blackfin tuna. Scomberomorus regalis Cero. Scomberomorus cavalla King mackerel. Euthynnus alletteratus Little tunny. Acanthocybium solandri Wahoo. Tripletails—Lobotidae Lobotes surinamensis Tripletail. Queen conch Lobatus gigas, Rays Table 2 to § 622.431 Class or Family Scientific name English common name Eagle and manta rays—Myliobatidae Manta birostris Giant manta. Aetobatus narinari Spotted eagle ray. Stingrays—Dasyatidae Dasyatis americana Southern stingray. Reef fish Table 3 to § 622.431 Class or Family Scientific name English common name Angelfishes—Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus paru French angelfish. Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray angelfish. Holacanthus ciliaris Queen angelfish. Groupers—Serranidae Mycteroperca bonaci Black grouper. Cephalopholis fulva Coney. Epinephelus itajara Goliath grouper. Cephalopholis cruentata Graysby. Hyporthodus mystacinus Misty grouper. Epinephelus striatus Nassau grouper. Epinephelus morio Red grouper. Epinephelus guttatus Red hind. Epinephelus adscensionis Rock hind. Mycteroperca tigris Tiger grouper. Hyporthodus flavolimbatus Yellowedge grouper. Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin grouper. Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth grouper. Grunts—Haemulidae Haemulon plumierii White grunt. Jacks—Carangidae Alectis ciliaris African pompano. Caranx hippos Crevalle jack. Elagatis bipinnulata Rainbow runner. Parrotfishes—Scaridae Scarus coeruleus Blue parrotfish. Scarus coelestinus Midnight parrotfish. Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish. Scarus vetula Queen parrotfish. Scarus guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish. Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish. Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish. Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish. Scarus iseri Striped parrotfish. Snappers—Lutjanidae Apsilus dentatus Black snapper. Lutjanus buccanella Blackfin snapper. Pristipomoides macrophthalmus Cardinal snapper. Lutjanus cyanopterus Cubera snapper. Lutjanus jocu Dog snapper. Lutjanus synagris Lane snapper. Lutjanus analis Mutton snapper. Etelis oculatus Queen snapper. Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster. Lutjanus vivanus Silk snapper. Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion snapper. Pristipomoides aquilonaris Wenchman. Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail snapper. Surgeonfishes—Acanthuridae Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang. Acanthurus chirurgus Doctorfish. Acanthurus tractus Ocean surgeonfish. Triggerfishes—Balistidae Balistes capriscus Gray triggerfish. Canthidermis sufflamen Ocean triggerfish. Balistes vetula Queen triggerfish. Wrasses—Labridae Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish. Halichoeres radiatus Puddingwife. Bodianus rufus Spanish hogfish. Sea cucumber Sea urchin Spiny lobster trap § 622.432 [Reserved] § 622.433 Vessel identification. See § 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to this subpart. § 622.434 Gear identification. (a) Reef fish Fish traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. § 622.435 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions. (a) Reef fish Construction specifications Minimum mesh size. (ii) Escape mechanisms. 1/8 1/8 (2) Tending restrictions. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Construction specifications (i) Escape mechanisms. (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not exceeding 1/8 (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 1/16 (ii) [Reserved] (2) Tending restrictions. § 622.436 Anchoring restrictions. The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to a surface buoy is required. § 622.437 Prohibited and required gear and methods. Trawl, trammel net, and purse seine gear are prohibited for use to fish in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. See § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Reef fish (1) Poisons. (2) Powerheads. (3) Gillnets. (4) Descending device. (b) Pelagic fish (c) Spiny lobster Spears and hooks. (2) Gillnets. (d) Gillnet restrictions. (1) Tending. (2) Mesh size. (3) Number of allowable gillnets. (4) Gillnet length. (5) Gillnet floats or buoys. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 47987, 47988, Oct. 3, 2025] § 622.438 Prohibited species. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is responsible for the limit applicable to that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the EEZ around Puerto Rico must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. (a) Reef fish. (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper. (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish. (b)-(c) [Reserved] (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. (e) Queen conch. (f) Rays. § 622.439 Area and seasonal closures. (a) Closures applicable to specific areas Abrir La Sierra Bank red hind spawning aggregation area. (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, fishing is prohibited in Abrir La Sierra Bank. (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in Abrir La Sierra Bank. Table 1 to § 622.439( a Point North lat. West long. A 18°06.5′ 67°26.9′ B 18°06.5′ 67°23.9′ C 18°03.5′ 67°23.9′ D 18°03.5′ 67°26.9′ A 18°06.5′ 67°26.9′ (2) Tourmaline Bank red hind spawning aggregation area. (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, fishing is prohibited in those parts of Tourmaline Bank that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of Tourmaline Bank that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. Table 2 to § 622.439( a Point North lat. West long. A 18°11.2′ 67°22.4′ B 18°11.2′ 67°19.2′ C 18°08.2′ 67°19.2′ D 18°08.2′ 67°22.4′ A 18°11.2′ 67°22.4′ (3) Bajo de Sico. (i) From October 1 through March 31, each year, no person may fish for or possess any reef fish in or from those parts of Bajo de Sico that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. The prohibition on possession does not apply to such reef fish harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of Bajo de Sico that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. (iii) Anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round in those parts of Bajo de Sico that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. Table 3 to § 622.439( a Point North lat. West long. A 18°15.7′ 67°26.4′ B 18°15.7′ 67°23.2′ C 18°12.7′ 67°23.2′ D 18°12.7′ 67°26.4′ A 18°15.7′ 67°26.4′ (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species Black, red, tiger, yellowedge, and yellowfin grouper closure. (2) Red hind closure. (3) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. (4) Lane and mutton snapper closure. § 622.440 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Reef fish. (1) Commercial ACLs. Table 1 to Paragraph (a) Family Stock or stock complex and species composition Commercial ACL Angelfishes Angelfish—French angelfish, gray angelfish, queen angelfish 137 lb (62.1 kg). Groupers Grouper 3—coney, 1 23,890 lb (10,836.3 kg). Grouper 4—black grouper, red grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper 2,492 lb (1,130.3 kg) Grouper 5—misty grouper, yellowedge grouper 15,327 lb (6,952.2 kg). Grouper 6—red hind, 1 121,729 lb (55,215.3 kg). Grunts Grunts—white grunt 177,923 lb (80,704.5 kg). Jacks Jacks 1—crevalle jack 46 lb (20.8 kg). Jacks 2—African pompano 1,052 lb (477.1 kg). Jacks 3—rainbow runner 913 lb (414.1 kg). Parrotfishes Parrotfish 2—princess parrotfish, queen parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redtail parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, striped parrotfish 147,774 lb (67,029.1 kg). Snappers Snapper 1—black snapper, blackfin snapper, silk snapper, 1 424,009 lb (192,327.2 kg). Snapper 2—cardinal snapper, queen snapper 1 257,236 lb (116,680.2 kg). Snapper 3—lane snapper 244,376 lb (110,847 kg). Snapper 4—dog snapper, mutton snapper, 1 116,434 lb (52,813.5 kg). Snapper 5—yellowtail snapper 315,806 lb (143,247.1 kg). Snapper 6—cubera snapper 119 lb (53.9 kg). Surgeonfishes Surgeonfish—blue tang, doctorfish, ocean surgeonfish 147 lb (66.6 kg). Triggerfishes Triggerfish—gray triggerfish, ocean triggerfish, queen triggerfish 1 80,041 lb (36,306 kg). Wrasses Wrasses 1—hogfish 70,140 lb (31,814.9 kg). Wrasses 2—puddingwife, Spanish hogfish 20,126 lb (9,129 kg). 1 (2) Recreational ACLs. >Table 2 to Paragraph (a) Family Stock or stock complex and species composition Recreational ACL Angelfishes Angelfish—French angelfish, gray angelfish, queen angelfish 2,985 lb (1,353.9 kg). Groupers Grouper 3—coney 1 19,634 lb (8,905.8 kg). Grouper 4—black grouper, red grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper 5,867 lb (2,661.2 kg). Grouper 5—misty grouper, yellowedge grouper 4,225 lb (1,916.4 kg). Grouper 6—red hind 1 34,493 lb (15,645.7 kg). Grunts Grunts—white grunt 2,461 lb (1,116.2 kg). Jacks Jacks 1—crevalle jack 41,894 lb (19,002.7 kg). Jacks 2—African pompano 5,719 lb (2,594 kg). Jacks 3—rainbow runner 8,091 lb (3,670 kg). Parrotfishes Parrotfish 2—princess parrotfish, queen parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redtail parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, striped parrotfish 17,052 lb (7,734.6 kg). Snappers Snapper 1—black snapper, blackfin snapper, silk snapper 1 111,943 lb (50,776.4 kg). Snapper 2—cardinal snapper, queen snapper 1 24,974 lb (11,328 kg). Snapper 3—lane snapper 21,603 lb (9,798.9 kg). Snapper 4—dog snapper, mutton snapper 1 76,625 lb (34,756.5 kg). Snapper 5—yellowtail snapper 23,988 lb (10,880.7 kg). Snapper 6—cubera snapper 6,448 lb (2,924.7 kg). Surgeonfishes Surgeonfish—blue tang, doctorfish, ocean surgeonfish 860 lb (390 kg). Triggerfishes Triggerfish—gray triggerfish, ocean triggerfish, queen triggerfish 1 7,178 lb (3,256 kg). Wrasses Wrasses 1—hogfish 8,263 lb (3,748 kg). Wrasses 2—puddingwife, Spanish hogfish 5,372 lb (2,436.6 kg). 1 (3) Total ACLs. Table 3 to Paragraph (a) Family Stock or stock complex and species composition Total ACL Angelfishes Angelfish—French angelfish, gray angelfish, queen angelfish 3,122 lb (1,416.1 kg). Groupers Grouper 3—coney, 1 43,524 lb (19,742.1 kg). Grouper 4—black grouper, red grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper 8,359 lb (3,791.5 kg). Grouper 5—misty grouper, yellowedge grouper 19,552 lb (8,868.6 kg). Grouper 6—red hind, 1 156,222 lb (70,861.1 kg). Grunts Grunts—white grunt 180,384 lb (81,820.8 kg). Jacks Jacks 1—crevalle jack 41,940 lb (19,023.6 kg). Jacks 2—African pompano 6,771 lb (3,071.2 kg). Jacks 3—rainbow runner 9,004 lb (4,084.1 kg). Parrotfishes Parrotfish 2—princess parrotfish, queen parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redtail parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, striped parrotfish 164,826 lb (74,763.8 kg). Snappers Snapper 1—black snapper, blackfin snapper, silk snapper, 1 535,952 lb (243,103.7 kg). Snapper 2—cardinal snapper, queen snapper 1 282,210 lb (128,008.3 kg). Snapper 3—lane snapper 265,979 lb (120,646 kg). Snapper 4—dog snapper, mutton snapper, 1 193,059 lb (87,570 kg). Snapper 5—yellowtail snapper 339,794 lb (154,127.9 kg). Snapper 6—cubera snapper 6,567 lb (2,978.7 kg). Surgeonfishes Surgeonfish—blue tang, doctorfish, ocean surgeonfish 1,007 lb (456.7 kg). Triggerfishes Triggerfish—gray triggerfish, ocean triggerfish, queen triggerfish 1 87,220 lb (39,562 kg). Wrasses Wrasses 1—hogfish 78,403 lb (35,563 kg). Wrasses 2—puddingwife, Spanish hogfish 25,498 lb (11,565.6 kg). 1 (4) General applicability and monitoring of AMs. (5) Commercial AMs. (6) Recreational AMs. (7) AM when only one sector's landings are available. (b) Pelagic fish. (1) Barracuda great barracuda. (ii) Commercial ACT—445 lb (201.8 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—167,693 lb (76,064.2 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—150,924 lb (68,457.9 kg). (2) Dolphinfishes dolphinfish, pompano dolphinfish. (ii) Commercial ACT—208,956 lb (94,780.8 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—1,513,873 lb (686,681.2 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—1,362,486 lb (618,013.2 kg). (3) Mackerels cero, king mackerel. (ii) Commercial ACT—209,180 lb (94,882.4 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—129,180 lb (58,595 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—116,262 lb (52,735.5 kg). (4) Tripletail. (ii) Commercial ACT—243 lb (110.2 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—39,005 lb (17,692.3 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—35,105 lb (15,923.3 kg). (5) Tunas blackfin tuna, little tunny. (ii) Commercial ACT—74,501 lb (33,793 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—34,485 lb (15,642.1 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—31,037 lb (14,078.1 kg). (6) Wahoo. (ii) Commercial ACT—23,320 lb (10,577.7 kg). (iii) Recreational ACL—210,737 lb (95,588.6 kg). (iv) Recreational ACT—189,663 lb (86,029.6 kg). (7) Pelagic fish AM application. (c) Spiny lobster. (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that average landings have exceeded the average ACLs, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for spiny lobster within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent average landings from exceeding the ACL for that fishing year, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information available, or if NMFS determines the ACL exceedance was due to improved data collection or monitoring rather than from increased landings, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season. Any fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (c)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year. (d)-(e) [Reserved] (f) Closure provisions for reef fish and spiny lobster Restrictions applicable during a commercial closure for a reef fish stock or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. (2) Restrictions applicable during a recreational closure for a reef fish stock or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. (3) Restrictions applicable during a closure for a reef fish stock or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico when only one sector's landings are available. (4) Restrictions applicable during a spiny lobster closure in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16195, Mar. 16, 2023; 88 FR 46695, July 20, 2023; 89 FR 34169, Apr. 30, 2024; 90 FR 26942, June 25, 2025] § 622.441 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be possessed, sold, or purchased, and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is responsible for ensuring that all species on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See § 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact. See § 622.445(c)(2) regarding requirements for landing spiny lobster intact. (a) Reef fish. (2) [Reserved] (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—32 inches (81.3 cm), FL. (c) Spiny lobster. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.442 [Reserved] § 622.443 Restrictions on sale or purchase. (a) Reef fish. (b) [Reserved] (c) Coral. (2) A coral that is sold in Puerto Rico will be presumed to have been harvested in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, unless it is accompanied by documentation showing that it was harvested elsewhere. Such documentation must contain: (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce. (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address of the individual harvesting the coral. (iii) The port and date of landing the coral. (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around Puerto Rico or the waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. § 622.444 Bag and possession limits. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and possession limits. However, § 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (a) Reef fish. (2) Angelfishes, grunts, jacks, surgeonfishes, triggerfishes, and wrasses combined—5 per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 surgeonfish per person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day. (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—5 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel per day, whichever is less. (c) Spiny lobster. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.445 Other harvest restrictions. (a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny lobster. (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that vessel are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. § 622.446 Spiny lobster import prohibitions. (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight into Puerto Rico. For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is defined as a tail that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the imported product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce (170-gram) tail-weight requirement. (2) See § 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (3) See subparts T and U of this part for the minimum size limits that apply to spiny lobster imported into St. Croix and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively. (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions Prohibition related to tail meat. (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. § 622.447 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management Plan for the EEZ around Puerto Rico, the RA may establish or modify the following items. (a) Standard open framework procedures. (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Subpart T—FMP for the EEZ Around St. Croix Source: 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022 unless otherwise noted. § 622.470 Management area. The management area is the EEZ around St. Croix bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points and geographic instructions in order: Table 1 to § 622.470 Point North lat. West long. G 18°03′03″ 64° 38′ 03″ From Point G proceed along the international and EEZ boundary easterly, then southerly, then southwesterly to Point F F 16° 02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″ E 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ G 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ § 622.471 Definitions. In addition to the definitions and acronyms in § 622.2, the terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings: Coral Coral reef resource Pelagic fish Table 1 to § 622.471 Class or Family Scientific name English common name Dolphinfishes—Coryphaenidae Coryphaena hippurus Dolphinfish. Mackerels and tunas—Scombridae Acanthocybium solandri Wahoo. Queen conch Lobatus gigas, Reef fish Table 2 to § 622.471 Class or family Scientific name English common name Angelfishes—Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus paru French angelfish. Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray angelfish. Holacanthus ciliaris Queen angelfish. Groupers—Serranidae Mycteroperca bonaci Black grouper. Cephalopholis fulva Coney. Epinephelus itajara Goliath grouper. Cephalopholis cruentata Graysby. Hyporthodus mystacinus Misty grouper. Epinephelus striatus Nassau grouper. Epinephelus morio Red grouper. Epinephelus guttatus Red hind. Epinephelus adscensionis Rock hind. Mycteroperca tigris Tiger grouper. Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin grouper. Grunts—Haemulidae Haemulon sciurus Bluestriped grunt. Haemulon plumierii White grunt. Parrotfishes—Scaridae Scarus coeruleus Blue parrotfish. Scarus coelestinus Midnight parrotfish. Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish. Scarus vetula Queen parrotfish. Scarus guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish. Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish. Sparisoma rubripinne Redfin parrotfish. Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish. Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish. Scarus iseri Striped parrotfish. Snappers—Lutjanidae Apsilus dentatus Black snapper. Lutjanus buccanella Blackfin snapper. Lutjanus griseus Gray snapper. Lutjanus synagris Lane snapper. Lutjanus analis Mutton snapper. Etelis oculatus Queen snapper. Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster. Lutjanus vivanus Silk snapper. Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion snapper. Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail snapper. Squirrelfishes—Holocentridae Holocentrus rufus Longspine squirrelfish. Surgeonfishes—Acanthuridae Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang. Acanthurus chirurgus Doctorfish. Acanthurus tractus Ocean surgeonfish. Triggerfishes—Balistidae Balistes vetula Queen triggerfish. Sea cucumber Sea urchin Spiny lobster trap § 622.472 [Reserved] § 622.473 Vessel identification. See § 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to this subpart. § 622.474 Gear identification. (a) Reef fish Fish traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. § 622.475 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions. (a) Reef fish Construction specifications Minimum mesh size. (ii) Escape mechanisms. 1/8 1/8 (2) Tending restrictions. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Construction specifications Escape mechanisms. (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not exceeding 1/8 (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 1/16 (ii) [Reserved] (2) Tending restrictions. § 622.476 Anchoring restrictions. The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ around St. Croix must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to a surface buoy is required. § 622.477 Prohibited and required gear and methods. Trawl, trammel net, and purse seine gear are prohibited for use to fish in the EEZ around St. Croix. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Reef fish (1) Poisons. (2) Powerheads. (3) Gillnets. (4) Descending device. (b) Pelagic fish (c) Spiny lobster Spears and hooks. (2) Gillnets. (d) Gillnet restrictions. (1) Tending. (2) Mesh size. (3) Number of allowable gillnets. (4) Gillnet length. (5) Gillnet floats or buoys. (e) Queen conch. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 47988, Oct. 3, 2025] § 622.478 Prohibited species. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for the limit applicable to that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the EEZ around St. Croix must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. (a) Reef fish. (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper. (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish. (b)-(c) [Reserved] (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. (e) [Reserved] § 622.479 Area and seasonal closures. (a) Closures applicable to specific areas Mutton snapper spawning aggregation area. (i) From March 1 through June 30, each year, fishing is prohibited in those parts of the mutton snapper spawning aggregation area that are in the EEZ around St. Croix. (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of the mutton snapper spawning aggregation area that are in the EEZ around St. Croix. Table 1 to § 622.479(a)—Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area Point North lat. West long. A 17°37.8′ 64°53.0′ B 17°39.0′ 64°53.0′ C 17°39.0′ 64°50.5′ D 17°38.1′ 64°50.5′ E 17°37.8′ 64°52.5′ A 17°37.8′ 64°53.0′ (2) Red hind spawning aggregation area east of St. Croix. (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, fishing is prohibited in the red hind spawning aggregation area east of St. Croix. (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in the red hind spawning aggregation area east of St. Croix. Table 2 to § 622.479(a)(2)—Red Hind Spawning Aggregation Area East of St. Croix Point North lat. West long. A 17°50.2′ 64°27.9′ B 17°50.1′ 64°26.1′ C 17°49.2′ 64°25.8′ D 17°48.6′ 64°25.8′ E 17°48.1′ 64°26.1′ F 17°47.5′ 64°26.9′ A 17°50.2′ 64°27.9′ (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species Black, red, tiger, and yellowfin grouper closure. (2) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. (3) Lane and mutton snapper closure. (4) Queen conch. § 622.480 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Reef fish. Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1) Family Stock or stock complex and species composition ACL Angelfishes Angelfish—French angelfish, gray angelfish, queen angelfish 6,412 lb (2,908.4 kg). Groupers Grouper 3—coney, 1 13,529 lb (6,136.6 kg). Grouper 4—red hind, 1 11,849 lb (5,374.6 kg). Grouper 5—black grouper, red grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper 701 lb (317.9 kg). Grouper 6—misty grouper 77 lb (34.9 kg). Grunts Grunts—bluestriped grunt, white grunt 27,169 lb (12,323.6 kg). Parrotfishes Parrotfish 2—princess parrotfish, queen parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redfin parrotfish, redtail parrotfish, 1 1 72,365 lb (32,824.2 kg). Snappers Snapper 1—black snapper, blackfin snapper, 1 1 61,455 lb (27,875.5 kg). Snapper 2—queen snapper 7,911 lb (3,588.3 kg). Snapper 3—gray snapper, lane snapper 14,156 lb (6,421 kg). Snapper 4—mutton snapper 8,513 lb (3,861.4 kg). Snapper 5—schoolmaster 22,879 lb (10,377.7 kg). Snapper 6—yellowtail snapper 15,670 lb (7,107.7 kg). Squirrelfishes Squirrelfish—longspine squirrelfish 3,514 (1,593.9 kg). Surgeonfishes Surgeonfish—blue tang, doctorfish, ocean surgeonfish 39,061 lb (17,717.7 kg). Triggerfishes Triggerfish—queen triggerfish 18,808 lb (8,531 kg). 1 (2) At or near the beginning the fishing year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or indicator stock will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings for a stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded the ACL specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for the stock or stock complex, the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent landings from exceeding the ACL for the stock or stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information available. If NMFS determines that the ACL for a particular stock or stock complex was exceeded because data collection or monitoring improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex. Any fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (a)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year. (b) Pelagic fish. (1) Dolphinfish. (ii) ACT—77,970 lb (35,366.5 kg). (2) Wahoo. (ii) ACT—24,534 lb (11,128.4 kg). (3) Pelagic fish AM application. (c) Spiny lobster. (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that average landings have exceeded the average ACLs, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for spiny lobster within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent average landings from exceeding the ACL for that fishing year, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information available, or if NMFS determines the ACL exceedance was due to improved data collection or monitoring rather than from increased landings, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season. Any fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (c)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year. (d) [Reserved] (e) Queen conch. (2) If NMFS estimates landings reach or are projected to reach the ACL specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the AA will close the area east of 64°34′ W longitude in the EEZ around St. Croix to the harvest and possession of queen conch by filing a notification of the closure with the Office of the Federal Register. During the closure period, no person may fish for or possess a queen conch in or from the area east of 64°34′ W longitude in the EEZ around St. Croix. (f) Closure provisions for reef fish, spiny lobster, and queen conch. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16196, Mar. 16, 2023; 89 FR 34169, Apr. 30, 2024; 91 FR 12932, Mar. 18, 2026] § 622.481 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or from the EEZ around St. Croix may not be possessed, sold, or purchased, and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for ensuring that all species on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See § 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact. See § 622.485(c)(2) regarding requirements for landing spiny lobster intact. See § 622.485(e) regarding requirements for landing queen conch with the meat and shell intact. (a) Reef fish. (2) Parrotfishes, except for redband parrotfish, and prohibited blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish—9 inches (22.9 cm), FL. (3) Redband parrotfish—8 inches (20.3 cm), FL. (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—32 inches (81.3 cm), FL. (c) Spiny lobster. (d) [Reserved] (e) Queen conch. 3/8 (2) A queen conch not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, in or from the EEZ around St. Croix, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for ensuring that queen conch on board are in compliance with the size limit specified in paragraph (e)(1) this section. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.482 Commercial trip limits. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ around St. Croix may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place. (a) Queen conch. (2) The trip limits specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section apply to a vessel that has at least one person on board with a valid commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. If no person on the vessel has a valid commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the bag and possession limits specified in § 622.484(e) apply. (b) [Reserved] § 622.483 Restrictions on sale or purchase. (a) Reef fish. (b) [Reserved] (c) Coral. (2) A coral that is sold in St. Croix will be presumed to have been harvested in the EEZ around St. Croix, unless it is accompanied by documentation showing that it was harvested elsewhere. Such documentation must contain: (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce. (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address of the individual harvesting the coral. (iii) The port and date of landing the coral. (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around St. Croix or the waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. § 622.484 Bag and possession limits. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and possession limits. However, § 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (a) Reef fish. (2) Angelfishes, grunts, squirrelfishes, surgeonfishes, and triggerfishes combined—5 per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 surgeonfish per person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day. (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—2 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel per day, whichever is less. (c) Spiny lobster. (d) [Reserved] (e) Queen conch. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.485 Other harvest restrictions. (a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny lobster. (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that vessel are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. (d) [Reserved] (e) Queen conch. (2) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for ensuring that queen conch on that vessel are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. § 622.486 Spiny lobster import prohibitions. (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight into St. Croix. For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is defined as a tail that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the imported product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce (170-gram) tail-weight requirement. (2) See § 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (3) See subparts S and U of this part for the minimum size limits that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively. (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions Prohibition related to tail meat. (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. § 622.487 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management Plan for the EEZ around St Croix, the RA may establish or modify the following items. (a) Standard open framework procedures. (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Subpart U—FMP for the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John Source: 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, unless otherwise noted. § 622.505 Management area. The management area is the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points and geographic instructions in order: Table 1 to § 622.505 Point North lat. West long. A (intersects with the international and EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ From Point A proceed along the international and EEZ boundary southeasterly to Point G G 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ C 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ From Point C proceed along the 3-nautical mile territorial boundary around St. Thomas and St. John northerly to Point B B 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ A (intersects with the international and EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ § 622.506 Definitions. In addition to the definitions and acronyms in § 622.2, the terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings: Coral Coral reef resource Pelagic fish Table 1 to § 622.506 Class or family Scientific name English common name Dolphinfishes—Coryphaenidae Coryphaena hippurus Dolphinfish. Mackerels and tunas—Scombridae Acanthocybium solandri Wahoo. Queen conch Lobatus gigas, Reef fish Table 2 to § 622.506 Class or family Scientific name English common name Angelfishes—Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus paru French angelfish. Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray angelfish. Holacanthus ciliaris Queen angelfish. Groupers—Serranidae Mycteroperca bonaci Black grouper. Cephalopholis fulva Coney. Epinephelus itajara Goliath grouper. Hyporthodus mystacinus Misty grouper. Epinephelus striatus Nassau grouper. Epinephelus morio Red grouper. Epinephelus guttatus Red hind. Mycteroperca tigris Tiger grouper. Hyporthodus flavolimbatus Yellowedge grouper. Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin grouper. Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth grouper. Grunts—Haemulidae Haemulon sciurus Bluestriped grunt. Haemulon album Margate. Haemulon plumierii White grunt. Jacks—Carangidae Caranx crysos Blue runner. Parrotfishes—Scaridae Scarus coeruleus Blue parrotfish. Scarus coelestinus Midnight parrotfish. Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish. Scarus vetula Queen parrotfish. Scarus guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish. Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish. Sparisoma rubripinne Redfin parrotfish. Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish. Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish. Scarus iseri Striped parrotfish. Porgies—Sparidae Calamus bajonado Jolthead porgy. Calamus calamus Saucereye porgy. Archosargus rhomboidalis Sea bream. Calamus penna Sheepshead porgy. Snappers—Lutjanidae Apsilus dentatus Black snapper. Lutjanus buccanella Blackfin snapper. Lutjanus synagris Lane snapper. Lutjanus analis Mutton snapper. Etelis oculatus Queen snapper. Lutjanus vivanus Silk snapper. Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion snapper. Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail snapper. Surgeonfishes—Acanthuridae Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang. Acanthurus chirurgus Doctorfish. Acanthurus tractus Ocean surgeonfish. Triggerfishes—Balistidae Balistes vetula Queen triggerfish. Wrasses—Labridae Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish. Sea cucumber Sea urchin Spiny lobster trap § 622.507 [Reserved] § 622.508 Vessel identification. See § 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to this subpart. § 622.509 Gear identification. (a) Reef fish Fish traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. § 622.510 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions. (a) Reef fish Construction specifications Minimum mesh size. (ii) Escape mechanisms. 1/8 1/8 (2) Tending restrictions. (b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster Construction specifications Escape mechanisms. (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not exceeding 1/8 (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 1/16 (ii) [Reserved] (2) Tending restrictions. § 622.511 Anchoring restrictions. The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to a surface buoy is required. § 622.512 Prohibited and required gear and methods. Trawl, trammel net, and purse seine gear are prohibited for use to fish in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John. Also see § 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries. (a) Reef fish (1) Poisons. (2) Powerheads. (3) Gillnets. (4) Descending device. (b) Pelagic fish (c) Spiny lobster Spears and hooks. (2) Gillnets. (d) Gillnet restrictions. (1) Tending. (2) Mesh size. (3) Number of allowable gillnets. (4) Gillnet length. (5) Gillnet floats or buoys. [87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 47988, 47989, Oct. 3, 2025] § 622.513 Prohibited species. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John is responsible for the limit applicable to that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. (a) Reef fish. (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper. (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish. (b)-(c) [Reserved] (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. (e) Queen conch. § 622.514 Area and seasonal closures. (a) Closures applicable to specific areas Grammanik Bank. (i) From February 1 through April 30, each year, no person may fish for or possess any species of fish, except highly migratory species, in or from the Grammanik Bank. The prohibition on possession does not apply to such fish harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. For the purpose of this paragraph (a)(1)(i), fish Highly migratory species (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in the Grammanik Bank. Table 1 to § 622.514( a Point North lat. West long. A 18°11.898′ 64°56.328′ B 18°11.645′ 64°56.225′ C 18°11.058′ 64°57.810′ D 18°11.311′ 64°57.913′ A 18°11.898′ 64°56.328′ (2) Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD). Table 2 to § 622.514( a Point North lat. West long. A 18°13.2′ 65°06.0′ B 18°13.2′ 64°59.0′ C 18°11.8′ 64°59.0′ D 18°10.7′ 65°06.0′ A 18°13.2′ 65°06.0′ (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species Black, red, tiger, yellowedge, and yellowfin grouper closure. (2) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. (3) Lane and mutton snapper closure. § 622.515 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) Reef fish. Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1) Family Stock or stock complex and species composition ACL Angelfishes Angelfish—French angelfish, gray angelfish, 1 18,297 lb (8,299.3 kg). Groupers Grouper 3—coney, red hind 1 65,030 lb (29,497.1 kg). Grouper 4—black grouper, red grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper 2,254 lb (1,022.3 kg). Grouper 5—misty grouper, yellowedge grouper, yellowmouth grouper 390 lb (176.9 kg). Grunts Grunts 1—bluestriped grunt, white grunt 1 30,581 lb (13,871.3 kg). Grunts 2—margate 2,319 lb (1,051.8 kg). Jacks Jacks—blue runner 44,665 lb (20,259.7 kg). Parrotfishes Parrotfish 2—princess parrotfish, queen parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redfin parrotfish, redtail parrotfish 1 1 60,026 lb (27,227.3 kg). Porgies Porgies—jolthead porgy, saucereye porgy, 1 29,039 lb (13,171.8 kg). Snappers Snapper 1—black snapper, blackfin snapper, 1 20,090 lb (9,112.6 kg). Snapper 2—queen snapper 568 lb (257.6 kg). Snapper 3—lane snapper, mutton snapper 1 30,784 lb (13,963.3 kg). Snapper 4—yellowtail snapper 88,952 lb (40,347.9 kg). Surgeonfishes Surgeonfish—blue tang, doctorfish, 1 22,630 lb (10,264.7 kg). Triggerfishes Triggerfish—queen triggerfish 92,919 lb (42,147 kg). Wrasses Wrasses—hogfish 2,951 lb (1,338.5 kg). 1 (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or indicator stock will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings for a stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded the ACL specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for the stock or stock complex, the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent landings from exceeding the ACL for the stock or stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information available. If NMFS determines that the ACL for a particular stock or stock complex was exceeded because data collection or monitoring improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex. Any fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (a)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year. (b) Pelagic fish. (1) Dolphinfish. (ii) ACT—8,800 lb (3,991.6 kg). (2) Wahoo. (ii) ACT—6,191 lb (2,808.1 kg). (3) Pelagic fish AM application. (c) Spiny lobster. (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that average landings have exceeded the average ACLs, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for spiny lobster within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent average landings from exceeding the ACL for that fishing year, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information available, or if NMFS determines the ACL exceedance was due to improved data collection or monitoring rather than from increased landings, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season. Any fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (c)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year. (d)-(e) [Reserved] (f) Closure provisions for reef fish and spiny lobster. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16196, Mar. 16, 2023; 89 FR 34170, Apr. 30, 2024; 91 FR 12933, Mar. 18, 2026] § 622.516 Size limits. All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John may not be possessed, sold, or purchased, and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John is responsible for ensuring that all species on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See § 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact. See § 622.520(c)(2) regarding requirements for landing spiny lobster intact. (a) Reef fish. (2) [Reserved] (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—32 inches (81.3 cm), FL. (c) Spiny lobster. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.517 [Reserved] § 622.518 Restrictions on sale or purchase. (a) Reef fish. (b) [Reserved] (c) Coral. (2) A coral that is sold in St. Thomas or St. John will be presumed to have been harvested in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, unless it is accompanied by documentation showing that it was harvested elsewhere. Such documentation must contain: (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce. (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address of the individual harvesting the coral. (iii) The port and date of landing the coral. (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, or the waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. § 622.519 Bag and possession limits. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and possession limits. However, § 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (a) Reef fish. (2) Angelfishes, grunts, jacks, porgies, surgeonfishes, triggerfishes, and wrasses combined—5 per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 surgeonfish per person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day. (b) Pelagic fish. (2) Wahoo—2 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel per day, whichever is less. (c) Spiny lobster. [87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 26940, June 25, 2025] § 622.520 Other harvest restrictions. (a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) Spiny lobster—(1) Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny lobster. (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. John and St. Thomas is responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that vessel are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this section. § 622.521 Spiny lobster import prohibitions. (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight into St. Thomas or St. John. For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is defined as a tail that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the imported product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce (170-gram) tail-weight requirement. (2) See § 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (3) See subparts S and T of this part for the minimum size limits that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto Rico and St. Croix, respectively. (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions Prohibition related to tail meat. (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. § 622.522 Adjustment of management measures. In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management Plan for the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, the RA may establish or modify the following items. (a) Standard open framework procedures. (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Appendix A to Part 622—Species Tables Table 1 to Appendix A to Part 622—Gulf Reef Fish Balistidae—Triggerfishes Gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus Carangidae—Jacks Greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili Lesser amberjack, Seriola fasciata Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana Banded rudderfish, Seriola zonata Labridae—Wrasses Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus Lutjanidae—Snappers Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus Cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus Gray (mangrove) snapper, Lutjanus griseus Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus Wenchman, Pristipomoides aquilonaris Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens Malacanthidae—Tilefishes Goldface tilefish, Caulolatilus chrysops Blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microps Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps Serranidae—Groupers Speckled hind, Epinephelus drummondhayi Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus flavolimbatus Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara Red grouper, Epinephelus morio Warsaw grouper, Epinephelus nigritus Snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci Yellowmouth grouper, Mycteroperca interstitialis Gag, Mycteroperca microlepis Scamp, Mycteroperca phenax Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa Table 2 to Appendix A to Part 622—South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Balistidae—Triggerfishes Gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus Carangidae—Jacks Bar jack, Caranx ruber Greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili Lesser amberjack, Seriola fasciata Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana Banded rudderfish, Seriola zonata Ephippidae—Spadefishes Spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber Haemulidae—Grunts Margate, Haemulon album Tomtate, Haemulon aurolineatum Sailor's choice, Haemulon parra White grunt, Haemulon plumierii Labridae—Wrasses Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus Lutjanidae—Snappers Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus Cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus Gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens Malacanthidae—Tilefishes Blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microps Golden tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps Sand tilefish, Malacanthus plumieri Percichthyidae—Temperate basses Wreckfish, Polyprion americanus Serranidae—Groupers Rock hind, Epinephelus adscensionis Graysby, Epinephelus cruentatus Speckled hind, Epinephelus drummondhayi Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus flavolimbatus Coney, Epinephelus fulvus Red hind, Epinephelus guttatus Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara Red grouper, Epinephelus morio Misty grouper, Epinephelus mystacinus Warsaw grouper, Epinephelus nigritus Snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci Yellowmouth grouper, Mycteroperca interstitialis Gag, Mycteroperca microlepis Scamp, Mycteroperca phenax Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa Serranidae—Sea Basses: Black sea bass, Centropristis striata Sparidae—Porgies Jolthead porgy, Calamus bajonado Saucereye porgy, Calamus calamus Whitebone porgy, Calamus leucosteus Knobbed porgy, Calamus nodosus Red porgy, Pagrus pagrus Scup, Stenotomus chrysops The following species are designated as ecosystem component species: Cottonwick, Haemulon melanurum Bank sea bass, Centropristis ocyurus Rock sea bass, Centropristis philadelphica Longspine porgy, Stenotomus caprinus Ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen Table 3 to Appendix A to Part 622—Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo Dolphin, Coryphaena equiselis or Coryphaena hippurus Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri The following species are designated as ecosystem component species: Bullet mackerel, Auxis rochei Frigate mackerel, Auxis thazard [87 FR 56236, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 90 FR 14210, Mar. 31, 2025; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025] Appendix B to Part 622—Gulf Areas Table 1 of Appendix B to Part 622—Seaward Coordinates of the Longline and Buoy Gear Restricted Area Point number and reference location 1 North lat. West long. 1 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary north of Dry Tortugas 24°48.0′ 82°48.0′ 2 North of Rebecca Shoal 25°07.5′ 82°34.0′ 3 Off Sanibel Island—Offshore 26°26.0′ 82°59.0′ 4 West of Egmont Key 27°30.0′ 83°21.5′ 5 Off Anclote Keys—Offshore 28°10.0′ 83°45.0′ 6 Southeast corner of Florida Middle Ground 28°11.0′ 84°00.0′ 7 Southwest corner of Florida Middle Ground 28°11.0′ 84°07.0′ 8 West corner of Florida Middle Ground 28°26.6′ 84°24.8′ 9 Northwest corner of Florida Middle Ground 28°42.5′ 84°24.8′ 10 South of Carrabelle 29°05.0′ 84°47.0′ 11 South of Cape St. George 29°02.5′ 85°09.0′ 12 South of Cape San Blas lighted bell buoy—20 fathoms 29°21.0′ 85°30.0′ 13 South of Cape San Blas lighted bell buoy—50 fathoms 28°58.7′ 85°30.0′ 14 De Soto Canyon 30°06.0′ 86°55.0′ 15 South of Pensacola 29°46.0′ 87°19.0′ 16 South of Perdido Bay 29°29.0′ 87°27.5′ 17 East of North Pass of Mississippi River 29°14.5′ 88°28.0′ 18 East of South Pass of Mississippi River 29°04.0′ 88°49.7′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary Then westerly along the seaward limit of the State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 19 South of Southwest Pass of Mississippi River 28°45.8′ 89°29.5′ 20 Northwest tip of Mississippi Canyon 28°38.5′ 90°08.5′ 21 West side of Mississippi Canyon 28°34.5′ 89°59.5′ 22 South of Timbalier Bay 28°22.5′ 90°02.5′ 23 South of Terrebonne Bay 28°10.5′ 90°31.5′ 24 South of Freeport 27°58.0′ 95°00.0′ 25 Off Matagorda Island 27°43.0′ 96°02.0′ 26 Off Aransas Pass 27°30.0′ 96°23.5′ 27 Northeast of Port Mansfield 27°00.0′ 96°39.0′ 28 East of Port Mansfield 26°44.0′ 96°37.5′ 29 Northeast of Port Isabel 26°22.0′ 96°21.0′ 30 U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary 26°00.5′ 96°24.5′ Then westerly along U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary to seaward limit of the State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 1 Table 2 of Appendix B to Part 622—Seaward Coordinates of the Stressed Area Point number and reference location 1 North lat. West long. 1 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary northeast of Dry Tortugas 24°45.5′ 82°41.5′ 2 North of Marquesas Keys 24°48.0′ 82°06.5′ 3 Off Cape Sable 25°15.0′ 82°02.0′ 4 Off Sanibel Island—Inshore 26°26.0′ 82°29.0′ 5 Off Sanibel Island—Offshore 26°26.0′ 82°59.0′ 6 West of Egmont Key 27°30.0′ 83°21.5′ 7 Off Anclote Keys—Offshore 28°10.0′ 83°45.0′ 8 Off Anclote Keys—Inshore 28°10.0′ 83°14.0′ 9 Off Deadman Bay 29°38.0′ 84°00.0′ 10 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary east of Cape St. George 29°35.5′ 84°38.6′ Then westerly along the seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 11 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary south of Cape San Blas 29°32.2′ 85°27.1′ 12 Southwest of Cape San Blas 29°30.5′ 85°52.0′ 13 Off St. Andrew Bay 29°53.0′ 86°10.0′ 14 De Soto Canyon 30°06.0′ 86°55.0′ 15 South of Florida and Alabama border 29°34.5′ 87°38.0′ 16 Off Mobile Bay 29°41.0′ 88°00.0′ 17 South of Alabama and Mississippi border 30°01.5′ 88°23.7′ 18 Horn and Chandeleur Islands 30°01.5′ 88°39.8′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary Then southerly along the seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 19 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off Chandeleur Islands 29°50.8′ 88°39.07′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 20 Chandeleur Islands 29°35.5′ 88°37.0′ 21 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off North Pass of Mississippi River 29°21.0′ 88°54.43′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary Then southerly and westerly along the seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 22 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off Southwest Pass of Mississippi River 29°01.3′ 89°34.67′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 23 Seaward limit of the State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary west of Mississippi River 29°5.24′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 89°41.0′ Then westerly along the seaward limit of the State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 24 Seaward limit of State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary south of Grand Isle 29°3.03′ at State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 89°56.0′ 25 Quick flashing horn buoy south of Isles Dernieres 28°32.5′ 90°42.0′ 26 Southeast of Calcasieu Pass 29°10.0′ 92°37.0′ 27 South of Sabine Pass—10 fathoms 29°09.0′ 93°41.0′ 28 South of Sabine Pass—30 fathoms 28°21.5′ 93°28.0′ 29 East of Aransas Pass 27°49.0′ 96°19.5′ 30 East of Baffin Bay 27°12.0′ 96°51.0′ 31 Northeast of Port Mansfield 26°46.5′ 96°52.0′ 32 Northeast of Port Isabel 26°21.5′ 96°35.0′ 33 U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary 26°00.5′ 96°36.0′ Then westerly along U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary to seaward limit of the State and Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 1 [85 FR 20614, Apr. 14, 2020, as amended at 85 FR 36165, June 15, 2020] Appendix C to Part 622—Fish Length Measurements Appendix D to Part 622—Specifications for Certified BRDs A. Extended Funnel. 1. Description. 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements for Standard Size. (a) Extension Material. 5/8 1/2 (b) Large-Mesh Escape Section. 1/2 (c) Funnel. 1/2 (d) Semi-Rigid Hoop. 3/8 (e) Installation. 3. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements for Inshore Size. (a) Extension Material. 3/8 1/2 (b) Large-Mesh Escape Section. 1/2 (c) Funnel. 3/8 (d) Semi-Rigid Hoop. 3/8 (e) Installation. B. Expanded Mesh. C. Fisheye. 1. Description. 1/4 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. 2 2 i.e., (a) In the Gulf EEZ, the fisheye BRD must be installed at the top center of the cod end of the trawl to create an opening in the trawl facing in the direction of the mouth of the trawl no further forward than 9 ft (2.7 m) from the cod end drawstring (tie-off rings). (b) In the South Atlantic EEZ, the fisheye BRD must be installed at the top center of the cod end of the trawl to create an escape opening in the trawl facing the direction of the mouth of the trawl no further forward than 11 ft (3.4 m) from the cod end tie-off rings. D. Gulf fisheye. 1. Description. 1/4 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. 2 2 i.e., E. Jones-Davis. 1. Description. 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. (a) Webbing extension. 5/8 (b) 28-inch (71.1-cm) cable hoop. 1/2 1/2 3/8 1/2 3/8 (c) 24-inch (61.0-cm) hoop. 3/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 3/8 (d) Funnel. 1/2 1/2 1/2 (e) Attachment of the funnel in the webbing extension. (f) Cutting the escape openings. 2 2 (g) Alternative Method for Constructing the Funnel and Escape Openings. 2 2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 (h) Cone fish deflector. 5/8 (i) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. 5/16 3/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 (j) Installation of the cone in the extension. F. Modified Jones-Davis. 1. Description. 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. (a) Webbing extension. 5/8 1/2 1/2 (b) Funnel. 5/8 (c) Cutting the escape opening. 2 2 (d) Cone fish deflector. 5/8 (e) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. 5/16 3/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 (f) Installation of the cone in the extension. G. [Reserved] H. Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel. Description. 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. (a) Webbing extension. 1/2 3/4 1/2 1/2 (b) Funnel. 1/2 5/8 1/2 (c) Cutting the escape opening. 2 2 (d) Cone fish deflector. 5/8 (e) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. 5/16 3/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 (f) Installation of the cone in the extension. I. Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel 1. Description. 2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. (a) Webbing extension. 1/2 3/4 1/2 1/2 (b) Funnel. 1/2 5/8 1/2 (c) Cutting the escape opening. 2 2 (d) SMP. (e) Cutting the SMP escape opening. i.e., (f) Installation of the SMP. Appendix E to Part 622—Caribbean Island/Island Group Management Areas Table 1 of Appendix E to Part 622— Coordinates of the Puerto Rico Management Area. The Puerto Rico management area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points. Point North latitude West longitude A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ B 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ From Point B, proceed southerly along the 3-nautical mile Territorial boundary of the St. Thomas/St. John island group to Point C C 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ E 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ F 16°02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″ From Point F, proceed southwesterly, then northerly, then easterly, and finally southerly along the International/EEZ boundary to Point A A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ Table 2 of Appendix E to Part 622— Coordinates of the St. Croix Management Area. The St. Croix management area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points. Point North latitude West longitude G 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ From Point G, proceed easterly, then southerly, then southwesterly along the International/EEZ boundary to Point F F 16°02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″ E 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ G 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ Table 3 of Appendix E to Part 622— Coordinates of the St. Thomas/St. John Management Area. The St. Thomas/St. John management area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points. Point North latitude West longitude A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ From Point A, proceed southeasterly along the International/EEZ boundary to Point G G 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ D 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ C 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ From Point C, proceed northerly along the 3-nautical mile Territorial boundary of the St. Thomas/St. John island group to Point B B 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ [78 FR 33258, June 4, 2013] Appendix F to Part 622—Specifications for Sea Turtle Release Gear and Handling Requirements A. Sea Turtle Release Gear 1. Long-handled line clipper or cutter. (a) A protected and secured cutting blade. (b) An extended reach handle. 2. Long-handled dehooker for internal hooks. (a) Hook removal device. 3/16 5/16 7/8 (b) Extended reach handle. 3. Long-handled dehooker for external hooks. (a) Hook removal device. 3/16 5/16 7/8 (b) Extended reach handle. 4. Long-handled device to pull an “inverted V”. (a) Hook end. (b) Extended reach handle. 5. Net or hoist. (a) Dip net Size of the net. (ii) Extended reach handle. (b) Collapsible hoop net Size of the net. (ii) Extended reach handle. (c) Small hoist Size of the hoist. (ii) Extended reach handle. 6. Cushion or support device. 7. Short-handled dehooker for internal hooks. (a) General. (b) Specifications. 3/16 5/16 3/4 e.g., 7/8 8. Short-handled dehooker for external hooks. (a) Fixed handle dehooker General. (ii) Specifications. 3/16 5/16 (b) Squeeze handle dehooker General. (ii) Specifications. 9. Long-nose or needle-nose pliers. 10. Bolt cutters. 1/4 1/4 11. Monofilament line cutters. 5/8 12. Mouth openers or mouth gags. (a) A block of hard wood. e.g., 3/4 3/4 (b) A set of three canine mouth gags. (c) A set of two sturdy dog chew bones. 1/2 1/2 1/2 (d) A set of two rope loops covered with protective tubing. 3/8 1/2 3/4 (e) A hank of rope. 3/16 (f) A set of four PVC splice couplings. 1/4 1/2 (g) A large avian oral speculum. 3/16 5/16 3/16 B. Sea turtle handling requirements. 1. Sea turtles brought on board. (a) Place a sea turtle upright on its bottom shell on a cushion or support device, as specified in paragraph A.6. of this appendix, to immobilize it and facilitate gear removal. Then, determine if the fishing gear can be removed without causing further injury. All externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless hook removal would result in further injury to the sea turtle. No attempt to remove a hook should be made if it has been swallowed and the insertion point of the hook is not clearly visible, or if it is determined that removal would result in further injury to the sea turtle. (b) If a hook cannot be removed, remove as much line as possible from the sea turtle and the hook using monofilament cutters as specified in paragraph A.11. of this appendix, and as much of the hook as possible should be removed before releasing the sea turtle, using bolt cutters as specified in paragraph A.10. of this appendix. (c) If a hook can be removed, an effective technique may be to cut off the barb or the eye of the hook using bolt cutters, and then to slide the hook out. When the hook is visible in the mouth, a mouth opener or mouth gag, as specified in paragraph A.12. of this appendix, may facilitate opening the sea turtle's mouth and keeping the mouth open. Short-handled dehookers for internal hooks, or long-nose or needle-nose pliers, as specified in paragraphs A.7. and A.8. of this appendix, respectively, should be used to remove visible hooks from the mouth that have not been swallowed on boated sea turtles, as appropriate. (d) If a sea turtle appears comatose or inactive, follow the NMFS resuscitation protocols to attempt revival before its release. As much gear as possible must be removed from the sea turtle without causing further injury prior to its release. (e) Sea turtle resuscitation. (i) Place the sea turtle upright on its bottom shell and elevate its hindquarters at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) to drain any water from the sea turtle for a period of at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. The amount of the elevation depends on the size of the sea turtle; greater elevations are needed for larger sea turtles. (ii) Periodically rock the sea turtle gently from left to right by holding the outer edge of the shell (carapace) and lift one side about 3 inches (7.6 cm), and then alternate to the other side. (iii) The sea turtle being resuscitated must be shaded and kept damp or moist. Do not put the sea turtle into a container holding water. A water-soaked towel placed over the head, shell, and flippers is the most effective method to keep a sea turtle moist. (iv) Gently touch the corner of the eye and pinch the tail (reflex test) periodically to see if there is a response indicating the sea turtle may be recovering. (f) Sea turtle release. (g) A sea turtle is determined to be dead if the muscles are stiff ( rigor mortis (h) A sea turtle that fails to respond to the reflex test or fails to move within 4 hours (up to 24 hours if possible) must be returned to the water in the same manner as that for an actively moving sea turtle. 2. Sea turtles that cannot be brought on board. (a) A non-boated sea turtle should be brought close to the boat. Then, determine whether the hook can be removed without causing further injury to the sea turtle. All externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless hook removal would result in further injury to the sea turtle. No attempt should be made to remove a hook if it has been swallowed and the insertion point is not clearly visible, or if it is determined that removal would result in further injury. (b) If the hook cannot be removed or if the sea turtle is only entangled, remove as much line as possible prior to its release using a long-handled line cutter or monofilament line cutters specified in paragraphs A.1. and A.11. of this appendix. (c) If the hook can be removed, it must be removed using the appropriate dehooker or other hook removal device specified in paragraph A. of this appendix. Without causing further injury, as much gear as possible must be removed from the sea turtle prior to its release. 3. Other sea turtle requirements. C. Incorporation by reference. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols, fedreg.legal@nara.gov www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. 1. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149. (a) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019. (b) [Reserved] 2. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (a) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019. (b) [Reserved] [84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019] Appendix G to Part 622—Coastal Migratory Pelagics Zone Illustrations Figure 3 to Appendix G—Cobia Gulf Migratory Group/Zone [82 FR 17400, Apr. 11, 2017, as amended at 84 FR 4737, Feb. 19, 2019; 90 FR 38004, Aug. 7, 2025]

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